On the petals of flowers, we found rainbow patterns invisible to us: this attracts pollinators

Flowers use different strategies to lure pollinators. One of them is chemical coloring of pigments,

which are on the petals and shimmer when moving. The authors of the new work believe that this is one of the most important methods of attracting pollinators. 

The new optical effect that the authors discovered iscreated using a complex pattern of nano-sized ridges on the surface of the petals. They refract light and as a result the colors shimmer beautifully. It's all about the bend of the petal, which sways in the wind and attracts the attention of pollinators. 

The same effect can be observed on the surface of CDs or soap bubbles. 

In order to understand in more detail how the basis for this type of pollinator attraction is formed, the authors studied the grooves of the petals on hibiscus flowers: they appear during the growth of the petals.

During the experiment, the researchers stretched young hibiscus petals, on which scallops began to appear. This means that it is the bending of the petal that causes this effect. 

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