The Rhododendron dauricum are blooming about 20 days earlier than last year above the gorge.
Here and there, the area is taking on fresh colors amid the snowy landscape.
As this happens, the coloring of the springtime “fall foliage,” a unique phenomenon of this season, is becoming deeper with each passing day.
The Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Betula ermanii, Padus ssiori and other plants are turning, greenish yellow, and green, creating an appearance that looks just like the fall foliage.
This springtime “fall foliage” is occurring because the leaves will not have sufficient chlorophyll until the time for full-scale photosynthesis arrives. As a result, they are still thin. Because of this, a substance called “anthocyanin” colors the young leaves to block ultraviolet rays and protect the
leaves.
This coloring continues to deepen at the present time. However, when it ends, the gorge will enter a season of fresh green leaves.
Although the mountains are still covered with snow, it is about the time of year to start preparations for the climbing season.
Photo: New bright-red Cercidiphyllum japonicum leaves above Sounkyo Gorge May 9
Here and there, the area is taking on fresh colors amid the snowy landscape.
As this happens, the coloring of the springtime “fall foliage,” a unique phenomenon of this season, is becoming deeper with each passing day.
The Cercidiphyllum japonicum, Betula ermanii, Padus ssiori and other plants are turning, greenish yellow, and green, creating an appearance that looks just like the fall foliage.
This springtime “fall foliage” is occurring because the leaves will not have sufficient chlorophyll until the time for full-scale photosynthesis arrives. As a result, they are still thin. Because of this, a substance called “anthocyanin” colors the young leaves to block ultraviolet rays and protect the
leaves.
This coloring continues to deepen at the present time. However, when it ends, the gorge will enter a season of fresh green leaves.
Although the mountains are still covered with snow, it is about the time of year to start preparations for the climbing season.
Photo: New bright-red Cercidiphyllum japonicum leaves above Sounkyo Gorge May 9
