9 Amazing Fractals Found in Nature

Fractals are known as geometric shapes that display similarity through the full range of scale—that is, they look the same no matter how big or how small they are. And they are, in fact, ubiquitous in nature.

There are many examples of fractals that we encounter in everyday life. Pineapples grow according to fractal laws, and ice crystals form in similar fractal shapes. Fractals allow plants to maximize their exposure to sunlight. They allow cardiovascular systems to efficiently transport oxygen to all parts of the body.

Here, we explain 14 fascinating and beautiful examples of fractals in nature.

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Romanesco Broccoli
Close-up of complex patterns of Romanesco broccoli bunch
Cathy Scola / Getty Images

Romanesco broccoli (which, despite its name, is a hybrid between broccoli and cauliflower) grows in a golden spiral, a pattern based on the golden ratio. The spiral gets wider by a factor of φ for every quarter turn it makes. This vegetable's tendency to produce buds at an accelerating rate causes this spiral pattern and resulting conical shape. The tip gets taller and taller as the broccoli grows.

Other golden spirals in nature include spiral galaxies and nautilus shells.