Comparison of striated and smooth hibiscus petals (IMAGE)

University of Cambridge

Comparison of striated and smooth hibiscus petals

Caption

There is a clear visible difference between striated and smooth petal surfaces when the petals are viewed under microscopes: Hibiscus trionum (left) has microscopic ridges on its petal surface that act as diffraction gratings to reflect light, while Hibiscus sabdariffa (right) has a smooth surface.

Credit

Edwige Moyroud

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