This is an image of the edge of a petal from a Jacaranda tree flower. These are thin, tubular purple flowers that are about two inches long. The image shows many round, dark cells–most likely deriving their color from the pigments which make the flower purple. Interestingly, these cells are quite round as opposed to the usual rectangular shape of plant cells.

This sample was obtained from a fallen flower in the grass under a Jacaranda tree in front of Blacker house. It was found and prepared at 6:00pm on Monday, May 27.

The sample was prepared by cutting the flower in half with scissors, cutting out a square from the petal, and adhering the petal to a slide with a drop of water. I then taped down the edges and used a flashlight to see the cells better through the foldscope.

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