Might be a pretty hot pig.
The reason the colors are vibrant in the fall, particularly the reds, is because of anthocyanin compounds in the leaves, noted Mass Audubon conservation scientist Joshua Rapp, describing how the anthocyanin act as sunscreen for the plant. “So if it’s really sunny, the tree needs more anthocyanin to protect itself from the sun, which can help make the colors more vibrant in the fall,” he said.