Helianthus tuberosus (Topinambur)

Last summer I took quite a few "in situ" shots of that flower using my butterfly vision (BV) filter, since found out that bees and bumblebees seem to be very fond of visiting Topinambur flowers (Helianthus tuberosus, also called "Jerusalem Artichoke") [the roots were used in former times here to make that famous Topinambur liquor]. So today here a few shots, to reveal in more detail, how that flower looks like and the very prominent UV pattern it has. 

[click on image to see a larger one]

Human Vision (400-700nm): 


Ultraviolet Vision (310-390nm) using Xenon High Power UV Flash: 


Ultraviolet Vision (310-390nm) using Nichia 365nm UV Torch: 


(Simulated) Butterfly Vision using XBV2 filter: 


Here now some detail full format shots of that very same flower, but using that special russian quartz fluorite lens I had used before:

Human Vision (400-700nm): 


(Simulated) Butterfly Vision using XBV2 filter: 


Interestingly enough, a few minutes later I noticed, that the anthers have grown out and ripened, I guess they liked the light:

Human Vision (400-700nm): 


(Simulated) Butterfly Vision using XBV2 filter: 



Stay tuned, more will follow on that fascinating subject...

More info on this very interesting field may be found on my site http://www.pbase.com/kds315/uv_photos