Green is a color that is commonly associated with nature, growth, renewal, and environmentally friendly practices. There are many things that are typically green in color due to chemical pigments like chlorophyll and phytocyanin. In this article, we will explore some common examples of things that are often green.
Plants
One of the most obvious categories of things that are green are plants. The green color in plants comes from chlorophyll, a pigment that is essential for photosynthesis. Photosynthesis is the process plants use to convert sunlight into energy and oxygen. Chlorophyll absorbs certain wavelengths of light within the visible light spectrum, causing plants to appear green.
Here are some examples of green plants:
- Trees – Most trees have green leaves due to the presence of chlorophyll. Evergreen trees maintain their green foliage year-round while deciduous trees shed their leaves seasonally.
- Shrubs – Bushes and shrubs contain green leaves. Many shrubs are evergreen but some do lose their leaves in fall and winter.
- Grasses – Lawn grasses and ornamental grasses are green due to chlorophyll.
- Herbs – Basil, parsley, cilantro, and other leafy herbs are green.
- Vegetables – Broccoli, spinach, kale, green beans, and other veggies contain chlorophyll and are green.
- Mosses – These small primitive plants thrive in shady areas and are typically bright green.
In addition to leaves, many plant stems are also green due to the presence of chlorophyll. Green is such a dominant plant color because chlorophyll is essential for a plant’s survival through photosynthesis.
Algae
Algae is another very common source of green in nature. Like plants, algae contain chlorophyll which gives them a green color. Algae are diverse single or multi-celled organisms that live in aquatic environments.
Here are some examples of green algae:
- Green algae – There is a large group of single-celled algae classified as green algae. They live in freshwater and oceans.
- Seaweed – Marine macroalgae seaweeds have green pigments and are found in coastal areas.
- Pond scum – Dense mats of green algae often coat the surface of ponds and lakes in a green film.
- Diatoms – These tiny green algae float in oceans and lakes.
In addition to contributing oxygen to aquatic ecosystems through photosynthesis, algae also provide food and habitat for many organisms. The green color signifies the presence of chlorophyll and other important pigments.
Insects
There are a number of insects with body parts or secretions that have a green coloration. Here are some examples:
- Green stink bug – This insect secretes a foul green substance as a defense mechanism.
- Praying mantis – These predatory insects can be green which provides camouflage within foliage.
- Lantern fly – Nymphs and adults of this invasive insect species are green and brown.
- Caterpillars – Many types of caterpillars like inchworms and cabbage loopers are green.
- Green lacewing – This beneficial insect has pale green wings.
- Japanese beetle – The exoskeleton of these beetles has a flashy green metallic color.
The green coloration helps provide camouflage from predators. It can also serve as a warning signal since some insects secrete or release toxic green substances when threatened.
Reptiles
There are a variety of reptiles that have green coloration on parts of their body:
- Green anole – This small lizard can change its skin between green and brown for camouflage.
- Emerald tree boa – The skin of this snake is vivid green.
- Green sea turtle – The fat and muscles under the shell of this turtle are greenish in color.
- Green iguana – The bodies of these large lizards can range from bright to dull green.
The green coloration helps these reptiles blend in to foliage to avoid predators. The ability to change between green and brown, like the green anole, provides even better camouflage.
Amphibians
There are also certain species of amphibians that display green coloration:
- Green tree frog – These small frogs are bright green and can shift between shades.
- Green and black poison dart frog – The skin of these vivid frogs contains toxic compounds.
- Green salamander – Ranging from dark to minty green, these salamanders blend into forest environments.
Once again, green provides camouflage from predators and prey. And in poisonous species, it can also serve as a warning signal to deter predators.
Fish
A few examples of green fish include:
- Green moray eel – This eel has yellow-green coloration that mimics seaweed.
- Emerald cod – These fish display brilliant green patterning as camouflage.
- Gobies – Many species of small gobies are green with some having an iridescent quality.
The green coloration allows the fish to blend in with aquatic plants and algae, avoiding detection from both predators and prey.
Birds
There are a number of birds with green plumage:
- Green heron – These small herons have mostly green and brown feathers.
- Green jay – This bird is bright green with some blue accents.
- Green parrot – Many parrot species have predominantly green plumage like the green-rumped parrotlet.
- Budgerigar – These small parakeets come in a bright green color variety.
- Lovebirds – There are green color mutations of these popular small parrots.
Again, the green plumage serves as camouflage within the trees and foliage that these birds inhabit. It helps them avoid detection from predators and prey.
Foods
There are a variety of green foods derived from natural plant and algae sources:
- Spinach – These leafy greens get their color from chlorophyll.
- Kiwis – The flesh of these small fruits is bright green.
- Green apples – These tart fruits are grassy green.
- Artichokes – The bud of this vegetable has green bracts.
- Green grapes – These juicy green grapes are popular for wine.
- Guacamole – The avocado flesh makes this dip green.
- Pistachios – These nuts have green meat when split open.
- Matcha – This green tea powder is made from ground green tea leaves.
- Seaweed – Edible green seaweeds are common in Asian cuisines.
Foods like fruits and vegetables obtain green pigments like chlorophyll from plant sources. Green tea and seaweed get their signature colors from phytocyanin pigments.
Everyday Objects
There are many common manmade items that are green:
- Green traffic lights – These lights signal people to go.
- Green text highlighting – Highlighter pens are often green.
- Green notebooks – Green is a popular notebook color.
- Green clothes – Apparel and fabrics come in many shades of green.
- Green paint – Interior and exterior paint is available in green.
- Recycling bins – These are often green to denote recycling.
- Lawn chairs – Outdoor furniture frequently comes in green.
Green is a popular color for many everyday objects and items. It represents renewal, nature, and environmental awareness.
Conclusion
In summary, many living things contain chlorophyll or other pigments that make them green. This includes plants, algae, various insects, reptiles, amphibians, fish, and birds. Edible greens like spinach contain chlorophyll while matcha tea and seaweed have phytocyanin. Green is also an abundant color in synthetic products like traffic lights, paints, and furniture. So when we think of things that are typically green, examples span across the natural world and manmade objects!
