A test for ultraviolet reflectance from fleshy fruits of New Zealand plant species

Abstract

The fleshy fruits of 41 indigenous species were photographically tested for UV reflectance under UV radiation using a camera with a quartz lens transmitting between 300–400nm. The species tested had a range of perceived fruit colours, including white, dark purple, blue, yellow, orange, red, and black. Only one species, Dacrycarpus dacrydioides, exhibited strong UV reflectance from fruits, mainly from the seed rather than the attached fleshy receptacle. Drupes of the naturalised small tree Berberis darwinii also reflected UV radiation. In both species strong UV reflection was associated with a whitish surface bloom on the fruit/seed.

Keywords:

• ultraviolet reflectance
• fleshy fruits
• vertebrate dispersal
• New Zealand