Yes, one plant can indeed have different coloured flowers.
How Can This Happen?
The phenomenon of a single plant exhibiting different coloured flowers is primarily attributed to two main reasons: deliberate breeding and genetic mutations.
Deliberate Breeding
- Bicoloured Cultivars: Plant breeders often cultivate varieties with specific traits, including bicoloured flowers. For example, the runner bean 'Painted Lady' is an example of a plant that has been intentionally bred to have two colors on its flowers.
Genetic Mutations
- Spontaneous Variations: Sometimes, plants may experience genetic mutations that result in variations in flower color. These mutations can occur randomly and lead to a plant having two different colours of flowers. According to the reference, these bicoloured flowers from mutations are a frequent curiosity found among garden plants.
Understanding the Process
| Mechanism | Explanation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Deliberate Breeding | Humans intentionally select and cross-breed plants with desired flower colors. | Runner bean 'Painted Lady' |
| Genetic Mutation | A spontaneous change in a plant’s genetic material can lead to the production of a new flower color. | Various garden plants |
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Mutation Effects:
- Mutations can affect the plant's pigment production.
- The resulting changes in pigment levels lead to different flower colours appearing on the same plant.
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Observation: Keep an eye on your garden plants. You might just witness a fascinating mutation resulting in a different coloured flower.
