The flaming colours of autumnal leaves are a spectacular feature of the seasonal landscape. Yet what does this complex biochemistry signify? We have been taught that the pigmented compounds in leaves are revealed as chlorophyll is withdrawn from the dead and dying leaves, and that leaves are shed to prevent damage during the long winter months. This presentation demonstrates how these conventional views can be challenged.
A different theoretical approach reveals that the loss of leaves has a profoundly important physiological significance in the life of vascular plants, and this view is currently percolating through the annals of botanical science. This illustrated presentation touches upon the many senses that plants possess, and uses the internet to show how we can document the changing status of a different approach to physiological theory.
A different theoretical approach reveals that the loss of leaves has a profoundly important physiological significance in the life of vascular plants, and this view is currently percolating through the annals of botanical science. This illustrated presentation touches upon the many senses that plants possess, and uses the internet to show how we can document the changing status of a different approach to physiological theory.