Sciencemadness Discussion Board

Orris Flower/Coloration

David Marx - 24-10-2004 at 19:09

Does anyone know the substance that gives the orris flower's petals the blue color? Alternately, does anyone know where I could get the flowers (fresh or dried) so I can conduct my own investigation.

I've checked google, ebay and yahoo auctions to no avail.

JohnWW - 24-10-2004 at 21:04

Most flower (and fruit and plant) pigments, particularly red or purple ones, are anthocyanins, i.e. flavonoids. In vivo, they are present as glycosides, which on hydrolysis yield colored anthocyanidins.

http://www.wholehealthmd.com/print/view/1,1560,SU_1026,00.ht...
http://www.wholehealthmd.com/refshelf/substances_view/1,1525...
http://www.charlies-web.com/specialtopics/anthocyanin.html
http://www.agsci.ubc.ca/courses/fnh/410/colour/3_21.htm
http://www.iupac.org/goldbook/A00380.pdf