What flower glows in the dark?
By Chelsie Vandaveer
October 24, 2002
Series: | 1 | | 2 |
killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~
Suggested Reading—>Click here.
Assorted Killer Savings Garden Links—>Click here.
Killer Pick: Missouri Evening Primrose—>Click here.
Older articles about the common evening primrose (Oenothera biennis Linnaeus) mention an odd trait of the flower pigments which is alluded to in the German vernacular, nachtkerz
or night candle.
Frederick Traugott Pursh (1774-1820) came to America in 1799. Pursh named at least three species of Oenothera, only one of the species names stands today, O. albicaulis. Pursh became fascinated with the nachtkerz.
King's American Dispensatory cited Pursh, [I] "frequently observed a singularity in this plant, and it might be interesting to make further inquiry into its cause; it is that in a dark night, when no objects can be distinguished at an inconsiderable distance, this plant, when in full flower, can be seen at a great distance, having a bright white appearance, which probably may arise from some phosphoric properties of the flowers." (King's American Dispensatory, Felter and Lloyd, 18th Edition, 1898)
In 1892, Charles F. Millspaugh wrote "The flowers open fully, after sundown, and remain so until the sun is well up in the morning, then wither and fall. Much has been written concerning the property inherent in the petals of many species of this genus, of emitting a 'phosphorescence' at night, the flowers being distinguishable at a goodly distance beyond non-refractory objects by their whitish luminosity.
In regard to this phosphorescence a word or two is in place."
Millspaugh had his own theory. "That the petals do emit light on a dark night is not fanciful; still it is not due to a property of giving out spontaneous light (phosphorescence), but to a process of storing up sunlight during the day, and retaining it at night--a property identical with that exhibited by hepar sulphuris calcarea (calcined oyster shells), and the sulphides of barium and strontium." (American Medicinal Plants, reprinted 1974)
Bjørn Rørslett has posted excellent photographs of Oenothera biennis, one taken in natural light as the human eye sees it, and one under UV showing patterns as insects might see the flower. Although these photographs are not as we would see the flower in the dark, the UV pigments may have something to do with its high nighttime visibility. To view Rørslett's work, click on the link:
http://www.naturfotograf.com/UV_OENO_BIE.html
Series: | 1 | | 2 |
killerPlants Tendrils: ~~1~~2~~3~~4~~5~~
Suggested Reading:
How was evening primrose used? Herbal Folklore - October 21, 2002
What is the story of baby-blue-eyes? What's in a Name? - May 10, 2002
What was spirit weed? Herbal Folklore - October 11, 2004
Where do marshmallows come from? Herbal Folklore - July 8, 2002
What fruit was used for colds? Herbal Folklore - February 10, 2003
Killer Savings Links:
Breck's Bulbs -$25 off—>Click here.
Gurney's Seed and Nursery -$20 off—>Click here.
Henry Fields Seed and Nursery -$20 off—>Click here.
Spring Hill Nursery -$20 off—>Click here.
Gardens Alive! -$20 off—>Click here.
Michigan Bulb -$20 off—>Click here.
DirectGardening.com—>Click here.
Mantis Garden Products—>Click here.
MasterGardening.com—>Click here.
Arbico Organics—>Click here.
AeroGrow—>Click here.
bloomingbulb.com—>Click here.
Unique Professionally Designed Gardens
Springhill Nursery®
Spring Hill Nursery has unique gardens professionally designed by experts to take the guesswork out of gardening. Whether you are looking for a three season garden, foundation garden, or a garden to attract hummingbirds and butterflies, Spring Hill Nursery has created a step-by-step design just for you.
Click here - Save $20 on $50 order
|
|
|
|
Missouri Evening Primrose
Springhill Nursery®
Enjoy the bright yellow blooms all summer long.
Let the sweet scent of Missouri Evening Primrose grace your garden, while you enjoy the bright yellow blooms all summer long.
Full sun to partial shade - Height: 9-12'' - Potted plant
Oenothera missouriensis (syn. macrocarpa)
Click here - Save $20 on $50 order
More Primrose...
|
|
Unique Characteristics: This old fashioned favorite has been overlooked since the proliferation of new and supposed improved varieties. The trailing habit of this species makes it a natural for raised beds and planters. Can also be a cascading rock garden plant that will extend the blooming of most spring flowering alpines, or soften the edge lines of a walkway. The bright yellow blossoms glisten in the sun and cover the entire plant, which can be in stark contrast to blue flowering Scabiosa'a or Salvia's. Extremely tough plant that thrives in poor soils and drought conditions.
|
| |
killerplants Recommended Seed and Nursery Stores
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 BACK TO TOP
|
|
