9 Amazing Fractals Found in Nature
3
of 9
Succulents
Close-up of the pattern of spiral aloe leaves
LazingBee / Getty Images
In plant biology, fractal designs are called spiral phyllotaxy, the word "phyllotaxy" simply referring to the arrangement of leaves on a plant. There are good reasons for the upturned, coiling leaves of the spiral aloe (Aloe polyphylla) and some Echeveria varieties: They help funnel rainwater to the plant's core and prevent top leaves from shading out bottom leaves.
In the mid-00s, a mathematician hypothesized that the spiral pattern of both plants and fingerprints occurred for the same reason, which was to relieve stress. Forces acting in opposing directions causes skin and plant tissue to buckle inward as it grows, he said.1
of 9
Succulents
Close-up of the pattern of spiral aloe leaves
LazingBee / Getty Images
In plant biology, fractal designs are called spiral phyllotaxy, the word "phyllotaxy" simply referring to the arrangement of leaves on a plant. There are good reasons for the upturned, coiling leaves of the spiral aloe (Aloe polyphylla) and some Echeveria varieties: They help funnel rainwater to the plant's core and prevent top leaves from shading out bottom leaves.
In the mid-00s, a mathematician hypothesized that the spiral pattern of both plants and fingerprints occurred for the same reason, which was to relieve stress. Forces acting in opposing directions causes skin and plant tissue to buckle inward as it grows, he said.1
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07 March 2024
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