Fractal Phyllotactic Spirals: Broccoli “Minaret”

Fractals have the property of producing complexity from simple, iterated rules. In this variety of broccoli, the rule of self-similarity operates on a spiral pattern to create three levels of nested spiraling florets. The effect is as elaborate and fanciful as Moorish architecture, giving the plant its unbroccoli-like name of Minaret. But the fractal generation of rich complexity from simple rules appears everywhere in nature. What is most remarkable about Broccoli Minaret is that the fundamental spiral pattern on which the fractal rules operate is itself the product of a few simple rules…