In a groundbreaking study published in Science Advances, scientists at the University of Cambridge′s Sainsbury Laboratory have made a remarkable discovery in the world of plant biology. Led by Dr. Edwige Moyroud, the research team has uncovered an invisible ″pre-pattern″ that shapes the iconic bullseye designs on hibiscus petals. This finding reveals nature′s equivalent of a ″paint-by-numbers″ system, active long before any visible colors emerge, and offers new insights into the intricate process of floral pattern formation.

The study demonstrates that these early developmental blueprints play a crucial role in attracting pollinators, particularly bees. Surprisingly, bees show a clear preference for larger bullseyes, moving between flowers with bigger patterns 25% faster. This discovery highlights the delicate interplay between plant evolution and pollinator behavior. By comparing different hibiscus species, including the critically endangered Hibiscus richardsonii with its small bullseye and the more common Hibiscus trionum with a medium-sized bullseye…