Phyllotaxis: A Systemic Study in Plant Morphogenesis

Description

Phyllotaxis, the study of the patterns determined by leaves, petals, and other organs of plants, raises some of the deepest questions of plant morphogenesis. What principles of biological organisation produce these dynamical geometric systems? The constant occurrence of the Fibonacci sequence in such systems is a phenomenon that has fascinated botanists and mathematicians for centuries. In this book, the many facets of phyllotaxis are dealt with in an integrated manner for the first time. The author describes a unified concept of phyllotaxis, and presents a mathematical model of plant growth based on experimental, anatomical, cellular, physiological and palaeontological observations. The model not only provides a framework for formal analyses of botanical data, but also emphasises the relevance of phyllotaxis to other structures, such as crystals and proteins, making this book of interest to crystallographers and physicists as well as to botanists and mathematicians.

' ... an invaluable guide to the literature. For the beginning student it provides a clear introduction to the known facts, the basic concepts, and the questions to be answered.' Irving Adler ' ... a united interpretation of the most fundamental patterns of plant morphology, the genetic spiral arrangement of leaves, buds or flowers. This is a marvellous little book.' Martin Ingrouille, Nature ' ... very clearly written, fascinating to read...very informative and recommendable in the best way.' Journal of Plant Physiology ' ... the most up-to-date comprehensive work on this topic.' Annals of Botany