Phyllotactic Iterations

Abstract

The origin of the golden angle γ = 137.5° found in most leaf arrangements is investigated by an inhibitor diffusion model. A recursive iteration scheme is set up generating inhibitor concentrations on the meristematic ring and angles xn between succeeding leaves. The universality of γ is reflected by existence of a broad parameter range with lim xn ≈ γ. Likewise, the golden angle is shown to occur in a modified Gierer‐Meinhardt model of nonlinear activator and inhibitor reactions.