Variegated leaf porn
Monday, March 17, 2008 by Caroline
Whenever I put the word “porn” on my blog I get lots of hits. I need all the help I can get, so as a sort of follow-up to my post on the science behind variegated leaves, here’s some variegated leaf porn from Roger Williams Park Botanical Conservancy in Providence.
I have no idea what any of these plants are. Any ideas anyone? Jo-Ann B., if you’re out there chime in because I know you know the answer! I think it’s the coolest thing ever that the leaves are variegated green/cream on the top side, but all purple on the bottom side. Very wacky things going on with pigments and genes here.
Below is an example of a plant that lacks chlorophyll (green pigment). It has instead an excess of the anthocyanin, the pigment that produces reds, pinks, and purples.
I know your third photo is variegated ginger (Alpinia zerumbet) And the last one is Cordyline (Cordyline terminalis). No idea about the first one. I love the variegated plants.
Priscilla is right about the last two pictures.
The first picture is Calathea roseopicta, I think (it’s at least a Calathea).
The second picture: top left is Calathea veitchiana and C. makoyana.
I’m not 100% sure on the species identifications, but the first two pictures are definitely all Calathea.
The Cordyline doesn’t lack chlorophyll entirely. It’s there. There’s just also a lot of other stuff going on.
Porn not required; what a beautiful photo C!
I love variegated leaves so much, they are magical.
Thanks for sharing.
Don’t know where my comment got to….
What a beautiful photo C, I love variegated leaves on plants, they are so special.
Porn not required for continued visits, just the great posts you always write.
I’m going to have to try that technique! I once titled a post ‘Wet and Wild’ and had many hits that day. It took a while for me to figure out why and then I just LOL!
love it! You are very funny and your blog is right on! I look forward to reading more.