Q. Why does a rose absorb the yellow and blue rays, and reflect the red?
A. Because the action of the sun’s rays on the oxygen (accumulated in the petals) produces an acid which turns them red.
The leaves which compose a flower, are called petals.
Q. Why is a violet blue?
A. Because the surface of the violet absorbs the red and yellow rays of the sun, and reflects the blue only.
Q. Why do violets absorb the red and yellow rays, and reflect the blue?
A. Because the petals of the violet contain an alkali, which gives them a purple tinge.
Q. Why is a primrose yellow?
A. Because the surface of the primrose absorbs the blue and red rays of solar light, and reflects the yellow ones.
All plants which have much alkali in their ash, have blue or yellow flowers.