Fruit Conspicuousness in Some New Zealand Coprosma (Rubiaceae) Species

Abstract

Fruit conspicuousness, defined as the magnitude of the colour difference between a fruit and its background, is one feature of fleshy fruits that may influence frugivory and hence seed dispersal. Quantitative colour Determinations using CIE [1976] L * a * b * (CIELAB) values based on human colour vision were obtained by the use of reflectance spectroscopy for ripe fleshy fruits, leaves and bark of 33 species of Coprosma in New Zealand. Amongst the three plant parts assessed, colour differences were greatest between fruits and foliage. Fruits with reddish or black hues were significantly more contrasted with their foliage than other fruit colour groups (white, bluish, polymorphic) (...)