Gresham College Lectures The Shape of Plants: Why Plants Love Mathematics and Mathematicians Love Plants - Alain Goriely
Dec 15, 2025
Alain Goriely, a renowned mathematician specializing in mathematical biology, discusses the beautiful patterns found in plants, linking their shapes to math. He explains concepts like phyllotaxis, Fibonacci numbers, and the golden angle, revealing how plants optimize their growth patterns. Goriely also delves into the mechanics of carnivorous plants and their unique adaptations for prey capture. His insights highlight the fascinating intersection of geometry and biology, showcasing why the plant world captivates both mathematicians and nature enthusiasts alike.
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Spirals And Fractal Repeats
- Spirals dominate plant form at many scales, from florets to Romanesco fractals.
- Repeating self-similar patterns give plants efficient packing and visual regularity.
Fibonacci Counts In Phyllotaxis
- Counting parastichy numbers on sunflower heads reveals pairs like 21 and 34.
- These counts consistently match Fibonacci numbers across many plant species.
The Golden Divergence Angle
- Plants commonly use a divergence angle of about 137.5 degrees between successive primordia.
- This golden angle recurs widely and links geometry with phyllotactic order.
