FAU Study Uncovers How Petal Windows Shape Flower Microclimates

Researchers from Florida Atlantic University have discovered that translucent 'windows' in flower petals can significantly alter the light and heat entering a flower, thereby influencing its internal temperature and the microbial communities that reside within. Published in the journal New Phytologist, the study found that these petal windows transmit more ultraviolet and infrared radiation than pigmented tissue, with warmer flowers generally harboring fewer microbes. This finding adds a new dimension to understanding the ecological role of petal traits in influencing floral microbes and potentially pollinator interactions.