| |
 | One
Of The Wonders of Nature Submitted by: Gerry on Nov 28, 2006
LFE
has been treated to one of the wonders of nature this year following a spectacular
showing of colours in the varied and numerous trees in our area.
One of the
most vivid and one which hopefully most people will have spotted, is the Virginia
Creeper which covers the thatched roof of the "Red Cow" public house,(pictured)
which has changed from dark green leaves through varying shades of red, brown,
and almost orange in only a matter of a few weeks. | | Of
course the high number of chestnut trees has provided yet another wonderful display
as well the silver birches and acorn to mention just a few. | |
 | But
have you ever stopped to wonder why trees and shrubs do change colours? |
| Not
everything is known about the process, but in simple terms it is due to the breakdown
of chlorophyll which is the substance which makes leaves look green. |  |
 | Chlorophyll
is one of many pigments found naturally in leaves and others provide the reds
purple and yellow changes often seen. |
As
the leaves age the chlorophyll begins to break down and allows the other carotoids
(as they are known) to take over and display their colours reduction in light
in the Autumn speeds up the breakdown of chlorophyll and coupled with a much cooler
temperatures produces an amazing canopy of colours.
| |
I
hope that you have enjoyed LFE's free show as much as I have.
|
