Ultraviolet Flowers: Ranunculus reptans

Ranunculus reptans L.

Ranunculaceae

Visible light
Nikon F5 , UV-Nikkor 105 mm f/4.5, Fuji RTP, Nikon A12 (85B) filter, no flash

UV light
Nikon F5 , UV-Nikkor 105 mm f/4.5, Fuji RTP @64 ISO, FF filter, SB-140

A small aquatic or semi-aquatic, prostrate species growing on muddy shores and in water to a depth of around 2 m. It thrives quite well in lakes regulated for hydroelectric purposes, too. Flowering occurs when the shoots are laid dry; cleistogamic flowers might occur on submerged plants however.

Perhaps because this species may not flower each year, attracting pollinators is important and this helps explain the strong UV patterns of this small-flowered aquatic.