Glaucous facts for kids

Glaucous (pronounced GLAW-kus) is a cool color that looks like a mix of bluish-green or bluish-grey. You might see this color in nature on plants and animals. It's a special term used by scientists to describe these unique shades.

What is the Color Glaucous?

The word "glaucous" describes a specific color. It's usually a pale, soft shade of blue mixed with green or grey. Think of a misty blue or a very light, dusty grey-blue. This color often appears naturally.

Glaucous in Plants

When we talk about plants, "glaucous" means there's a pale, bluish, waxy, or powdery layer on their surface. This layer can be found on leaves, stems, or even fruits. It's like a natural coating.

For example, many grapes and plums have this glaucous layer on their skin. It feels a bit powdery and can be easily rubbed off. This special coating helps protect the fruit from water. It also helps keep the fruit from drying out too quickly.

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  Black grapes showing a glaucous bloom on their skins

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  Trachycarpus princeps showing a glaucous underside to its leaves

Glaucous in Animals

In the world of animals, especially birds, "glaucous" describes a pale bluish-grey color. This color can be seen on their feathers, legs, or other parts of their body. It gives them a distinctive look.

Famous Glaucous Animals and Plants

You'll find the word "glaucous" in the names of many living things. This helps people identify them by their unique color.

Some examples include:

• Glaucous Gull: This bird (Larus glaucescens) has pale bluish-grey feathers, especially on its wings.
• Glaucous Macaw: This beautiful parrot (Anodorhynchus glaucus) is known for its bluish feathers.
• Glaucous Sedge: This plant (Carex flacca) has leaves with a pale, bluish-green coating.
• Glaucous Michaelmas Daisy: This flower (Symphyotrichum laeve) also shows a bluish tint on its leaves.

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  Glaucous Gull showing glaucous wing color

Images for kids

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  Wine grapes with a glaucous coating

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  Plums with some glaucous coating visible

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  Sedum spathulifolium is a glaucous perennial herbaceous plant.

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  Larus hyperboreus (glaucous gull)

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  Blue shark (Prionace glauca)