Image: Melissa-officinalis-(Lemon-Balm)-flower-Vis-UV-IR-comparison

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Description: Comparison of a Melissa officinalis (Lemon Balm) flower photographed in visible light (top), ultraviolet (middle), and infrared (bottom). In visible light the flower is a uniform white colour. In ultraviolet light a darker area around the mouth of the flower is visible. This may act as a nectar guide, aiding bees (which can see ultraviolet light) to the area of the flower where the nectar and pollen are located. In infrared light the flower appears a single tone. The leaf of the plant appears brighter in infrared, having around the same brightness as the flower.
Title: Melissa-officinalis-(Lemon-Balm)-flower-Vis-UV-IR-comparison
Credit: Own work
Author: Dave Kennard
Permission: Image licensed CC-BY-SA 3.0 Please credit image to David Kennard / www.davidkennardphotography.com
Usage Terms: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0
License: CC BY 3.0
License Link: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0
Attribution Required?: Yes

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Lemon balm

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