◆自然科学系農学部門の中野道治准教授らの研究グループの成果が、科学誌「Journal of Experimental Botany」に掲載されました
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The secret behind why the leaves of the endangered dwarf cycad—which lacks blue pigments—appear blue has been uncovered!
高知大学自然科学系農学部門の中野道治准教授らの研究グループは、青色の色素を持っていない絶滅危惧種ヒメオニソテツの葉が「青く見える」秘密を解明しました。青色に見えるのは、葉の表層に存在する直径約0.1マイクロメートルの微細なワックス結晶による「構造色 （※1）」と、葉緑素を多く含む濃緑色の光合成組織による光の散乱抑制との相乗効果であることがわかりました。
Furthermore, it has been discovered that the wax crystals produced by the dwarf cycas not only appear blue but also strongly reflect ultraviolet light, and they are expected to contribute to material development through biomimetic approaches (*2).
These research findings were published in the British scientific journal *Journal of Experimental Botany* on May 14, 2025.
*1 Structural color
This refers to colors produced by the microscopic structure of an object, even in the absence of pigments. Examples include the blue color of a morpho butterfly’s wings and the iridescent colors of soap bubbles. When light interacts with the microscopic structures on an object’s surface, certain colors are emphasized, causing the object to appear as a specific color.
*2 Biomimicry
This refers to the development of new technologies and products inspired by the remarkable structures and functions found in living organisms. For example, inspired by the microscopic nanostructures found in the wings of the Morpho butterfly, a technology was developed that creates color using these nanostructures without the need for pigments. This technology has led to new printing methods that offer long-lasting color and reduce environmental impact.
[Paper Information]
Title: Structural Coloration and Epicuticular Wax Properties of the Distinctive Glaucous Leaves of Encephalartos horridus
著者：信澤 岳(広島大学 大学院統合生命科学研究科、筆頭著者、責任著者)
岡本 卓(九州工業大学 大学院情報工学研究院)
中野 道治(高知大学 教育研究部自然科学系農学部門)
草場 信(広島大学 大学院統合生命科学研究科)
Published in: Journal of Experimental Botany