Why Are Young Leaves on Many Rainforest Trees Red or Pink?

What Crafty Clover says in this video

Intro

Hi there, curious minds! I'm Crafty Clover! Let's discover something amazing. Why are young leaves on many rainforest trees red or pink?

The Big Idea

Many rainforest trees send out new leaves that are red, pink, purple, or even white! The color is only temporary, like a costume. The leaves turn green once they are tough and strong.

Soft New Leaves

Step one: soft new leaves. New leaves are soft, thin, and easy to damage, and they cannot make much food yet. Many trees send them out in red, purple, or pink.

Red Sunscreen

Step two: red sunscreen. Scientists think the red color acts like sunscreen for the soft young leaves. It protects them from too much strong tropical sunlight.

Hide from Hunger

Step three: hide from hunger. The red may also make leaves look less tasty to insects. It might hide them from hungry eyes. Once the leaves are tough, they turn green.

A Closer Look

Let's take a closer look! A new leaf is soft and tender. A red color covers it. Red protects it from the Sun. Later, the leaf turns green. Every color has a purpose, and this one protects the leaf.

Quick Facts

Quick facts! Some trees put out whole rainbows of new leaves at once. These trees can look like they are covered in flowers. Young leaves are often soft enough that many insects would love to nibble them. Look at leaves with your eyes, and never taste them.

Think Like a Scientist

Now, think like a scientist! Look at a young plant's new growth in spring. Are the new leaves a different color than the old leaves? Take photos over a week. What changes do you see?

Outro

New leaves wear red to stay safe until they grow strong. Science is amazing! Crafty Clover can be found on Amazon Books, Google Bookstore, and Apple Books. Available for purchase or download! Bye for now!