Ultraviolet Flowers: Potentilla recta

Potentilla recta L.

Rosaceae

Potentilla recta. Visible light

Visible light
(Nikon D70, UV-Nikkor 105 mm f/4.5, L37C filter)

UV light
(Nikon D70, UV-Nikkor 105 mm f/4.5, Schott UG11x filter, SB-140)

A cinquefoil species prominently showing the typical bull's eye UV guide pattern. The nectaria encircling the floral centre exhibit UV fluorescence, so do the pollen (less visible on the UV image).

This UV/visible comparison was obtained using my new specialised Schott UG11x filter (Courtesy Dr. Klaus Schmidt, www.macrolenses.de). It efficiently combats the problem of IR contamination, which is a major obstacle in getting good UV imagery using diigtal cameras. Since there is no leak from the deep-red range, the UV absorbing areas of the flower turns almost jet black.