Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower - Albert Camus

As the last days of summer slowly fade away, the world turns to autumn. The lush green leaves of the trees are replaced by vibrant crimson and gold. Everywhere you look, the world is putting on the wardrobe of fall. But have you ever wondered how these beautiful fall foliage is brought about? Believe it or not, this is an extremely controversial subject. Researchers have learnt that trees actually produce a red pigment in their leaves during the fall season. Producing this pigment requires an enormous amount of sugar. So, researchers queried: Why would a plant put so much energy into soon to be dead leaves when that same sugar could be used to help the trees live through the winter months? Recently, two groups have suggested that the red pigment actually acts as a sunscreen. In summer, photosynthetic tissues can manage the sun's radiation. In autumn, the trees break down these tissues and reabsorb them for the winter. So, the red pigment stops the tree from destroying the tissues and allows enough photosynthesis to enable the tree to revive itself for the spring. The issue is still contentious and there are many other explanations for the red pigment. Some suggest that it might help the plant retain water. Others believe that it is a signal for the plant to repel and/or attract animals. However, even all of these theories are still not enough to explain the colors, since there are plants and trees that contain this pigment all year round and others that do not produce this pigment at all. But in the end, do we care more about how the fall foliage comes about, or is it enough to merely enjoy it?

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