Melissa-officinalis-(Lemon-Balm)-flower-Vis-UV-IR-comparison

Description:

Description: English: Comparison of a Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) flower photographed in visible light (top), ultraviolet (middle), and infrared (bottom). In visible light the flower is a uniform white colour. In ultraviolet light a darker area around the mouth of the flower is visible. This may act as a nectar guide, aiding bees (which can see ultraviolet light) to the area of the flower where the nectar and pollen are located. In infrared light the flower appears a single tone. The leaf of the plant appears brighter in infrared, having around the same brightness as the flower. Date:. Source: Own work. Author: Dave Kennard. Permission (Reusing this file): Image licensed CC-BY-SA 3.0 Please credit image to David Kennard / www.davidkennardphotography.com.