Water-soluble pigments that produce red, purple, and blue colors in plant tissues, particularly in flowers, fruits, and leaves. They serve as antioxidants and help attract pollinators and seed dispersers.
From Greek 'anthos' meaning 'flower' and 'kyanos' meaning 'blue.' The term was coined in 1835 by German botanist Ludwig Marquart, who first described these blue flower pigments, though the family includes red and purple pigments as well.
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