Illuminating nature’s spectrum

In the natural world, certain species emit visible light when exposed to ultraviolet light. Although ultraviolet-induced visible fluorescence, or UVIVF, occurs regularly in nature, it often goes unnoticed because of the overpowering intensity of sunlight. Flowers have hidden patterns, akin to maps, that guide specific pollinators directly to their pollen and nectar with reflected ultraviolet and UVIVF cues. Photographer Craig Burrows devised a system to capture this intriguing phenomenon in images.

Burrows is on the third generation of his method for taking images with 365nm LEDs to maintain accuracy when photographing different species.

Manuka flowers bloom for a fleeting two to six weeks a year, with some blossoms lasting only five days. Bees have a brief opportunity to pollinate, resulting in honey with antibacterial, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory properties.

“While reflected ultraviolet is well known for its role in attracting pollinators, I am particularly interested in the role of UVIVF,” says Burrows. “Studies have shown that fluorescence is responsible for attracting prey to carnivorous plants, so I believe it plays a role in attracting pollinators as well. This is one of the reasons I’ve chosen to work with flowers and their habitats, exploring with the frontier of UVIVF photography.”

Cyclamen boasts a rich history that spans centuries: The plant was lauded by the ancient Greeks, including philosopher and botanist Theophrastus, a student of Aristotle, who outlined uses for the plant in his treatise Enquiry into Plants. In cyclamen’s unique adaptation, petals bloom upside down, protecting the delicate stamen and pistil from rain and other elements.

Standard cameras filter out most ultraviolet light, but using a light source below 400nm allows only fluorescent emissions to form the image, making sure all light originates from the subject.

Columbine showcases its evolutionary legacy through the shape and size of its nectar spurs, which are tailored to specific pollinators. Depending on the variations, the flowers can draw bees, moths, or hummingbirds for pollination.

Cucumber plants produce both male and female flowers, similar in appearance. The first flowers to appear are mostly male, which means cucumber yields can be poor in the beginning. Once the number of female flowers increases, pollen can be transferred from the male flowers to the females by bees and other pollinators.

With a lineage going back millions of years, magnolia trees predate the existence of bees and rely primarily on beetles for pollination.

The jade plant, a succulent known for its resilience, has tight clusters of white or pink flowers. Under optimal conditions of bright light, these blooms can blanket the entire foliage during winter.

Insects don’t all perceive their surroundings in the same way, leading various species to different plants. Honeybees, for instance, are blind to red light, indicating that red flowers target other pollinators, such as birds or butterflies. Meanwhile, the amaryllis beckons carpenter bees and even moths with its blooms.

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