What is phyllotactic spiral?

A phyllotactic spiral is a pattern observed in the arrangement of leaves, branches, seeds, and other plant parts in a spiral around a stem or axis. It is a natural pattern which follows certain mathematical rules and is often seen in plants having a spiral form, such as sunflowers.

The phyllotactic spiral is determined by different factors such as the angle of divergence between successive plant parts and the size of these parts. The Fibonacci numbers, which are the sequence of numbers beginning with 0 and 1, and each subsequent number is the sum of the two preceding ones, are significant to determine the phyllotactic spiral. The pattern is such that each successive turn of the spiral follows a specific angle known as the golden angle which is approximately 137.5 degrees.

The phyllotactic spiral has an essential role in plant growth and development. It ensures that each part of the plant gets maximum exposure to light and nutrients and minimizes overlapping and shading of leaves. Moreover, the pattern is also visually pleasing and attractive, which has led to its use in art, architecture, and design.

The study of phyllotactic spiral has helped scientists understand the mechanisms that control plant growth and development and has numerous applications in agriculture and horticulture.