Everyone loves autumn colour, but what, exactly, causes this transformation? Well it’s a complicated biological transformation ? so bear with me for the next bit.
Leaf colour is determined by three main pigments ? chlorophyll for the greens, carotenoids for the yellows and oranges, and anthocyanins for the reds, blues and purples. Chlorophyll enables photosynthesis, the production of food. Carotenoids help absorb light for use in photosynthesis and also protect chlorophyll from light damage. Anthocyanins produce vivid colour in flowers and fruit that in turn attract pollinating insects and seed dispersing animals. These three elements are vital to plant life.