As nighttime lengthens and daylight hours decline chlorophyll production in each leaf slows, and will eventually stop. The remaining greens gradually decay exposing agreeable yellow pigments in the plant tissue, present all along, patiently waiting for their moment to blaze. Fall colors were never a big secret to the Carotenoids as this hickory leaf can attest.
© 141019-001 Mockernut Hickory
Carya tomentosa
Stone Mountain Park
Sunday 19 October 2014
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