Ultraviolet Flowers: Mirabilis jalapa

Mirabilis jalapa L.

Nyctaginaceae

Visible light
Nikon D70, UV-Nikkor 105 mm f/4.5, L37 filter

UV light
Nikon D70, UV-Nikkor 105 mm f/4.5, Hoya U-360 + B+W BG-38, SB-140

UV fluorescence of flower
Nikon D70, UV-Nikkor 105 mm f/4.5, L37, Sylvania Blacklight

Mirabilis jalapa. UV fluorescence of pollen

UV fluorescence of pollen
Nikon D2X, Multiphot with Macro-Nikkor 65 mm f/4.5, m=4, L37, Sylvania Blacklight

This species, often cultivated and known by its vernacular name "Four O'Clock", has fragrant flowers pollinated by hawk-moths and other nocturnal pollinators. The UV markings of the corolla are indistinct, but a high degree of UV fluorescence of the entire perianth and the pollen is a noteworthy feature.