Optical properties of Helleborus niger L. flowers

Maja Dacar (2018) Optical properties of Helleborus niger L. flowers. Diploma thesis.

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Abstract

The black hellebore has blossoms from white to slightly pink, and towards the end of flowering this colour turns into yellow and green shades. Due to the changing colours of blossoms, the black hellebore is interesting for research. The aim of the study was to find out how the biochemical properties of black hellebore blossoms affect their optical properties. Another aim was to find out how the optical features would affect the perception of hymenoptera. This link was found on the basis of reviewed literature. Three groups of plants were collected with blossoms at different development stages on which biochemical analyses were performed in the laboratory. The transmittance and reflectivity of radiation were measured, and the content of chlorophyll a and b, carotenoids, anthocyanins and UVA and UVB absorbing substances. It was found that blossoms have a different pigments content at different stages of blossom development. This difference was less indescribable, because the samples were collected in shorter time intervals. It was also found that the pigments content influenced the permeability and reflectivity of light, and that their optical properties are related to the perception of pollinators.

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