Növénykék

Növénykék is a Hungarian descriptive term for blue coloration in plants. It does not denote a formal taxonomic group, but rather the presence of blue hues in plant tissues, the pigments responsible for those hues, and related dyeing uses. In botanical contexts it is used to discuss how plants appear blue and how those colors are produced and perceived in nature.

The dominant pigments behind blue plant colors are anthocyanins, notably delphinidin derivatives. Their final hue depends on pH, metal complexation, and interactions with other pigments (co-pigments). Because of these factors, many so-called blue flowers are not “true blue” in a strict pigment sense but appear blue-violet due to biochemical and structural interactions.

Examples of blue-flowered or blue-tinged plants include Centaurea cyanus (cornflower), Delphinium spp., Hyacinthoides non-scripta (bluebell), and Hydrangea macrophylla, whose blue color is influenced by soil acidity and aluminum availability. The term also encompasses blue hues seen in leaves or fruits when pigments are present at varying concentrations or under certain light conditions.

In addition to live coloration, növénykék also refers to plant-based blue dyes used historically, such as indigo from Indigofera tinctoria or Isatis tinctoria (woad). Indigo and related plant dyes provided deep blue colors for textiles and artwork before synthetic dyes became dominant.

Current research in növénykék covers the genetics and biochemistry of anthocyanin biosynthesis, horticultural breeding for bluer flowers, and the ecological and evolutionary significance of blue coloration in pollinator interactions. Conservation of wild blue-flowering species and sustainable use of plant-based dyes are ongoing considerations.