Orange Pigments

The main orange plant pigments are:

Carotenoids (the primary orange pigments)

These are responsible for most orange and yellow-orange colors in plants.

• β-Carotene → bright orange
  • Carrots
  • Orange sweet potatoes
  • Some marigolds
  • Autumn leaves
• α-Carotene → yellow-orange
  • Carrots
  • Pumpkins
• γ-Carotene → orange-red
  • Less common, found in some fruits and microorganisms

Orange-Yellow Xanthophylls

Oxygenated carotenoids that often produce yellow to orange hues.

• Cryptoxanthin → orange
  • Papaya
  • Tangerines
  • Persimmons
• Zeaxanthin → golden yellow-orange
  • Corn
  • Goji berries
  • Marigolds
• Violaxanthin and Antheraxanthin
  • Yellow-orange pigments involved in photoprotection

Anthocyanins That Can Appear Orange

Anthocyanins are usually red, purple, or blue, but in some flowers they can produce orange shades when combined with carotenoids and depending on pH.

• • Pelargonidin Scarlet to orange-red flowers
  • Geraniums
  • Some roses
  • Zinnias

Pure orange flower colors are often produced by a mixture of pelargonidin anthocyanins and carotenoids rather than by anthocyanins alone.

Examples of Orange Pigments in Nature