Despite a long record of research on anthocyanins in plants, their function in vegetative organs is a mystery. We have long known their pathway of synthesis and their photobiological regulation. More recently this understanding has been extended by advances in molecular genetics. Recent advances in whole plant physiology provide an opportunity for a multi-disciplinary approach to understanding the functional roles of anthocyanins in plants. This symposium assembles experts in biochemistry, molecular genetics, physiology, development and evolutionary ecology to summarize our present understanding and suggest the most promising directions for future research.

Key words: anthocyanins, photobiological regulation, red leaves