Flower Petal 'Windows' Influence Internal Microclimates and Microbes, Study Finds

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University have discovered that semi-translucent sections, or 'windows,' in flower petals significantly influence the light, temperature, and microbial communities within flowers. Studying two blueberry relatives, Lyonia lucida and Lyonia fruticosa, they found that these petal windows transmit more ultraviolet and infrared radiation, directly warming the flowers and reducing the presence of molds. Warmer flowers were also observed to have lower bacterial loads, suggesting that petal traits shape internal microclimates, impacting microbial life and potentially pollinator attraction.