Jasminum nudiflorum (Winter jasmine) Vis UV IR

Comparison of a Winter jasmine (Jasminum nudiflorum) flower photographed in Visible light (top), ultraviolet light (middle), and infrared light (bottom). The flower is growing near the end of the stem, with two flower buds yet to open below it.

In visible light the flower has five yellow petals with a stigma of a similar colour and tone to the petals. The unopened flower buds have green carpels and yellow petals, with some red markings. The stem is a dark green colour.

In ultraviolet the flower has a dark marking around the centre visible. This is commonly known as a 'nectar guide', as it is thought that it helps guide bees and other insects (which can see ultraviolet light) to the centre of the flower where the nectar and pollen are located. The sepals are much darker in ultraviolet, and the the stem also appears darker.

In infrared the sepals appear brighter, and the stem appears much brighter than it does in visible light.

Although native to China, Jasminum nudiflorum has been cultivated and is grown throughout the world. It flowers from November to March, one of the few plants that flower over the winter.

This image is available free to use under a Creative Commons Attribution Share-alike licence. If you use the image, please credit (and link back to) Vis UV IR flower photos.