Emily Kwong

Yeah.

I mean, it is an intriguing idea that because U.S.

trees are exposed to more sunlight, they may need a little bit more sunscreen via a red color.

It's an intriguing explanation.

What other ideas are kicking around when it comes to red leaves?

Is it just a light thing?

young new leaves which are often red and they're kind of more digestible and nutrient rich oh i am so appreciative for my ability to see red now it's kind of special like when you see a bright red tree in autumn that's like a very human experience yeah i was married in a red dress too so like my whole color scheme would have been off without this it's a very potent color for us right anyway

Well, why?

Like, why would aphids want to avoid those leaves?

Why is it a stop signal for them?

Yeah, it is co-evolution with the insects.

Also a compelling idea.

The light idea is compelling.

It sounds like a lot more research needs to be done to figure any of this out.

But what I'm struck by, Nell, is just how scientists don't really know the purpose of red foliage.

And it's astonishing given that, you know, red foliage is everywhere right now.

Well, it depends on where you are, right?

I love this tape.

I want to go back to the thing you said a moment ago, that there are some trees that can turn a bunch of colors at once.

They'll have like sections that will be or, you know, an ombre effect.