What does the colour glaucous refer to?
Q: What does the colour glaucous refer to?
A: Glaucous is a colour that is bluish-green or bluish-grey. In botany it refers to a pale bluish waxy or powdery layer on a surface such as a leaf or a fruit. In birds it refers to a pale bluish grey colour of the feathers, legs or some other part of the bird.
Q: Are there any plants and animals with glaucous in their name?
A: Yes, examples include Glaucous Gull (Larus glaucescens) and Glaucous Macaw (Anodorhynchus glaucus). There is also the Glaucous Sedge (Carex flacca) and the Glaucous Michelmas Daisy (Symphyotrichum laeve).
Q: How can you identify if something has glaucous characteristics?
A: Often grapes, plums and other fruit have a glaucous waxy or powdery layer on the surface of their skin which can be easily rubbed off. Birds may have pale bluish grey feathers, legs or some other part of them which are indicative of having glaucous characteristics. Leaves may also have an underside that is glaucious in coloration.
Q: What role does this layer play for fruits?
A: The layer protects the fruit from water.
Q: Is there an example of a bird with this characteristic?
A: Yes, one example is the Glaucous Gull (Larus glaucescens).
Q: Is there an example of plant with this characteristic?
A: Yes, one example is the Glaucous Sedge (Carex flacca).
