@valo 3 April 2023 more from that month

I mentioned chlorophyll, but it is not the only molecule that dyes the leaves. Other molecules, such as xanthophyll, carotene and anthocyanins become responsible for the colouration. They exist throughout the year, but chlorophyll dominates over them. Xanthophyll is yellow. Carotene, as the name suggests, gives carrots their orange colour but also paints autumn leaves in beautiful shades. Anthocyanin is typically responsible for the blue colour of flowers and berries. However, it can also cause the intense reds we see in, e.g., maples.