Blue leaves help begonias harvest energy in low light

Tiny structures give plants iridescent color, aid photosynthesis in shady conditions

blue begonia leaf

ROSES ARE RED, BEGONIAS ARE BLUE  The iridescent color of some begonias comes from tiny structures. Those structures also help the plant convert dim light into energy, scientists found.

 

Matthew Jacobs

Iridescent blue leaves on some begonias aren’t just for show — they help the plants harvest energy in low light.