Recent study in Royal Society Open Science reveals new complex sunflower seed patterns, diverging from the common Fibonacci sequence found in most seed heads.
Eerily reminiscent of something from the Da Vinci Code, a paper recently published in the Royal Society Open Science journal details how some surprising new patterns have been observed in the faces of sunflowers, Helianthus annuus.
The study details the discovery of complex new mathematical patterns after studying the distribution of seeds in sunflowers.
It is known that the Fibonacci sequence occurs widely throughout the structures of earth’s organisms, from the spiral of nautilus shells to the geometrical distribution of leaves on plant stems.
While other studies found that Fibonacci sequences occur in around 90% of seedheads, this new study found some flowers display more complex patterns, with 20% displaying complex patterns that don’t fit into any previously identified sequence.
This means these flowers could display “super” patterns that mathematicians have yet to identify and that could reveal deeper iterations of existing patterns such as the Fibonacci sequence.
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About The Author
John Bagnasco has been in the gardening industry for over 50 years, starting with a horticulture degree from Michigan State University and following a stint at Frank’s Nursery and Crafts in Detroit.
After publishing his first book “Plants for the Home Vol. I” in 1976, he moved to California to become regional manager and buyer for the Nurseryland division of Sunbelt Nursery Group.
He then became the head buyer for Armstrong Garden Centers based in Glendora, California. John had a part-time affiliation with Creative Promotions for ten years before joining them full-time in October 2000 as a senior editor and radio personality for Garden Compass.
John has also taught horticulture classes at Palomar College and San Diego State University.
He is the host of the DVD “The Essential Guide to Roses,” which also features Bryan Main and Bruce and Sharon Asakawa.
His most recent book is “Planting Designs for Cacti and Succulents”.
Currently, John is a co-host on “Garden America,” an interactive live gardening show that additionally provides podcasts of the broadcasts accessible on all major platforms.
You can contact John here.