Leaf flushing

Young leaves often have less chlorophyll and the leaf flush may be white or red, the latter due to presence of pigments, particularly anthocyanins.

[4] In the seasonal tropics, leaf flushing phenology may be influenced by herbivory and water stress.

[5][6] In tropical regions, leaves often flush red when young and in the phase of expansion to mature size.

[1] It has also been hypothesised that the anthocyanins may reduce light stress or fungal attacks on leaves.

[1][10][11] A recent study in tropical forest region of China provides support for the herbivore defense hypothesis, indicating that the red coloration of young leaves protects them from attacks of herbivorous insects through chemical defense as the red leaves have high concentrations of tannins and anthocyanins.