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Phyllotaxis—the arrangement of leaves, florets, or other organs on a plant axis—provides a striking example of order emerging from biological growth. This phenomenon has been studied for centuries by naturalists, biologists, mathematicians, and physicists, leading to the development of various quantitative models that offer insights into plant developmental processes, evolutionary dynamics, and the mathematics of self-organization.
Recent advances in imaging, modeling, and experimental techniques have opened new possibilities for exploring phyllotaxis from multiple perspectives. These include molecular and cellular mechanisms of organ initiation, computational models of pattern formation, and links between phyllotaxis and plant architecture. At the same time, historical and philosophical perspectives continue to enrich our understanding of why phyllotaxis remains a central theme in the study of patterns in nature.
This collection invites contributions that address phyllotaxis in all its dimensions—empirical, theoretical, and historical. We particularly welcome interdisciplinary approaches that bridge biology, physics, and mathematics.
Topics of Interest
- Molecular, genetic, and hormonal regulation of phyllotactic patterning
- Biomechanical and physical models of organ initiation and positioning
- Mathematical formalisms and computational simulations of phyllotaxis
- Evolutionary and ecological perspectives on phyllotaxis origin and diversity
- Comparative analyses across plant taxa
- Historical perspectives and reviews
Submission Information Submission deadline: 30 September 2026. Manuscripts should be submitted via the journal’s online system: Author Instructions – Cambridge Journals. All submissions will undergo standard peer review.
For queries re. the collection, please contact quantplantbio@cambridge.org in the first instance.
Guest Editors
- Christophe Godin (Inria–ENS Lyon, France)
- Christophe Golé (Smith College, USA)
- Paula Elomaa (University of Helsinki, Finland)