When September arrives, my thoughts automatically drift to the fall (even when the temperatures are still hitting 90 degrees F!). I search for the first signs of leaves changing color, relish in the occasional cool morning breeze, and savor the sunsets that come a little earlier each evening. This is probably why, when I set out to find something to study under my Foldscope 2.0, I was immediately drawn to the autumnal colors I found hiding in a vibrant purple flower petal. Read on to enjoy some fall-like colors discovered on a sunny, September day.
Buddleja davidii
Butterfly bushes (Buddleja davidii) are plants that attract many insect pollinators, especially butterflies! The plants can reach up to 10 feet tall and are covered with cone shaped flower clusters. The flowers can be a variety of colors including white, yellow, pink, red, and purple. The butterfly bush flowers that I observed were a beautiful deep purple color.
Flower Shape
The flowers I looked at had an elongated shape to them. The petals slowly changed color from purple to yellowish orange in the center. Even though the change looked abrupt on the macroscopic scale, it was interesting to watch as the colors gradually appeared from cell to cell on the microscopic scale.
Fall Colors!
The further into the flower I peered, the more autumn-like the color became. The center of the flower is orange, and as I moved the slide from the outside to the inside, I saw some reddish orange pigment appearing in the center of the yellow colored plant cells. This color transition eventually led to the cells becoming completely orange.
Viewing the color change on a cellular level was so interesting to see and it gave me a sense of excitement for the season to come! I also enjoyed the picture below showing a longitudinal microscopic view of the base of the butterfly bush flower because it had fall colors and looked like a planet!
Have you looked for early signs of fall colors under a Foldscope 2.0? Use your Foldscope to dive into the microscopic world and find the beauty that is there waiting for you. Share your microscopic images and thoughts on the Microcosmos. Be sure to tag us on social media when you post the results of your explorations, creations, and discoveries! We love to see how Foldscopers around the world are using their Foldscopes in new and innovative ways!
Facebook: @Foldscope
Twitter: @TeamFoldscope
Instagram: @teamfoldscope
Threads: @teamfoldscope
Sources:
