Lantana: The Flower That Changes Color
Lantana is a beautiful flowering plant that is known for its vibrant and ever-changing colors. It blooms from summer to fall, and its flowers can range in color from bright red and yellow to pastel pink and white. One of the most fascinating things about lantana is that its flowers can change color over time.
Why Do Lantana Flowers Change Color?
Lantana flowers change color because of a chemical reaction that takes place inside the petals. When the flower first opens, it is typically yellow. This yellow color comes from pigments called carotenoids. After the flower has been pollinated, it begins to produce another type of pigment called anthocyanins. Anthocyanins are responsible for the red, purple, and blue colors in plants. As the levels of anthocyanins increase in the flower, it will turn from yellow to orange, then to red.
The Role of Pollination in Lantana Flower Color Change
Pollination is the process of transferring pollen from the male part of a flower to the female part. When a lantana flower is pollinated, it triggers a chemical reaction that causes the flower to begin producing anthocyanins. This is why pollinated lantana flowers typically turn red.
The Importance of Color in Plant Reproduction
The color of a flower is important for attracting pollinators. Pollinators are animals, such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, that help to transfer pollen from one flower to another. Different pollinators are attracted to different colors, so the color of a flower can play a role in determining which pollinators will visit it.
The Evolution of Lantana Flower Color to Attract Pollinators
Over time, lantana flowers have evolved to change color in order to attract pollinators. The yellow color of unpollinated flowers is attractive to thrips, which are small insects that are common pollinators of lantana. Once the flower has been pollinated, it turns red to signal to thrips that it no longer contains as much pollen or nectar. This helps to prevent thrips from wasting their time visiting pollinated flowers.
How to Observe Lantana Flowers Changing Color in Your Garden
If you have lantana plants in your garden, you can observe the color change process firsthand. Simply watch the flowers over time and you will see them gradually change from yellow to orange to red. You can also pollinate the flowers yourself by gently brushing the pollen from the male part of the flower to the female part. This will trigger the color change process and you will be able to see the results in a few days.
Conclusion
Lantana is a fascinating plant with beautiful and ever-changing flowers. The color change process is a result of a chemical reaction that is triggered by pollination. The color of the flower plays an important role in attracting pollinators, and it has evolved over time to maximize the plant’s reproductive success.
