Solving a Leafy Mathematical Mystery

Next time you go outside, take a minute to look at your local leaf arrangements. You’ll probably notice a few different patterns. In basil plants, each leaf is about 90 degrees — a quarter-turn — from the last, a template called “decussate.”

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Tau.Neutrino said:

Solving a Leafy Mathematical Mystery

Next time you go outside, take a minute to look at your local leaf arrangements. You’ll probably notice a few different patterns. In basil plants, each leaf is about 90 degrees — a quarter-turn — from the last, a template called “decussate.”

more…

“The researchers started with an existing phyllotaxis equation called the Douady and Couder 2 model, or DC2. This model is based on the assumption that each leaf exerts a chemical inhibitory power on the area surrounding it that prevents other leaves from growing. This peters off with distance until it disappears, allowing new leaves to form.”

I like that.

Tau.Neutrino said:

Solving a Leafy Mathematical Mystery

Next time you go outside, take a minute to look at your local leaf arrangements. You’ll probably notice a few different patterns. In basil plants, each leaf is about 90 degrees — a quarter-turn — from the last, a template called “decussate.”

more…

Sorry, but in botany that is not decussate. It is a leaf arrangement where two leaves are opposite each other and the next pair are at right angles. Looking from the top you get a X arrangement that would also apply to the description above. However that arrangement there would be termed whorled.

PermeateFree said:

Tau.Neutrino said:

Solving a Leafy Mathematical Mystery

Next time you go outside, take a minute to look at your local leaf arrangements. You’ll probably notice a few different patterns. In basil plants, each leaf is about 90 degrees — a quarter-turn — from the last, a template called “decussate.”

more…

Sorry, but in botany that is not decussate. It is a leaf arrangement where two leaves are opposite each other and the next pair are at right angles. Looking from the top you get a X arrangement that would also apply to the description above. However that arrangement there would be termed whorled.

Stop confusing the matter with facts…

;)

buffy said:

PermeateFree said:

Tau.Neutrino said:

Solving a Leafy Mathematical Mystery

Next time you go outside, take a minute to look at your local leaf arrangements. You’ll probably notice a few different patterns. In basil plants, each leaf is about 90 degrees — a quarter-turn — from the last, a template called “decussate.”

more…

Sorry, but in botany that is not decussate. It is a leaf arrangement where two leaves are opposite each other and the next pair are at right angles. Looking from the top you get a X arrangement that would also apply to the description above. However that arrangement there would be termed whorled.

Stop confusing the matter with facts…

;)

I should add that only the written description is wrong, the actual visualization of a decussate leaf pattern is correct, with a pairs of leaves developing at the same time.