Remote sensing of flowers

The language of color pervades the natural world, with flowers being prime exemplars of communicating with color. Our understanding of floral colors is predominantly qualitative. It hinders the comprehensive decoding of information relayed through vibrant displays. Here we present the results of quantitative studies of floral colors by integrating hyperspectral remote sensing and color science. Further, we present the Indian Floral Spectral database, comprising spectral reflectance data for 686 angiosperm species in Kerala, India. Analysis of the elements in the database reveals intriguing insights into the altitudinal variability in human-perceived floral colors across nine angiosperm species. Our research introduces a novel approach that utilizes floral spectral reflectance data to study subtle changes in the landscape. Through the examination of floral color variations, we gain valuable insights into intra and inter-specific plant communications. The quantified floral colors posit as an objective plant trait, a prospective Tier I indicator of biodiversity targets. •Study examines floral color as a key trait in plant reproduction during the reproductive phase.•Study explores objective floral color representation, reporting altitudinal variations in intra/inter-specific floral color via spectral reflectance.•Quantifying diverse floral colors across landscapes offers insight into natural selection's process and outcomes.•Altitudinal variability of inter and intraspecific floral colours is prominent and significant.•Quantified floral colours are prospective Tier I indicators of biodiversity targets of the sustainable development goals.