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The Fibonacci Sequence in Biological and Biomedical Sciences

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The Fibonacci Sequence in Biological and Biomedical Sciences

The Fibonacci sequence a series of numbers in which each number is the sum of the

two preceding ones has been observed in various aspects of nature including the number of

petals in flowers. In this paper we will explore some species that exhibit the Fibonacci

sequence in their petal numbers specifically focusing on species with 13 21 34 and 55 petals.

One species that demonstrates the Fibonacci sequence in its petal numbers is the

ragwort (Senecio vulgaris). Ragwort is a common flowering plant found in Europe Asia and

North America. It belongs to the Asteraceae family and typically has 13 petals per flower.

The presence of 13 petals in ragwort exemplifies the Fibonacci sequence as it follows the

pattern of adding the two previous numbers (5 and 8) to obtain the next number (13).

Another species that showcases the Fibonacci sequence is the aster (Asteraceae).

Asters are herbaceous perennials commonly found in temperate regions. These flowers

possess 21 petals representing the sequence of numbers in the Fibonacci series. By adding the

two preceding numbers (8 and 13) we arrive at the subsequent number (21).

Moving further along the Fibonacci sequence we encounter the coreopsis (Coreopsis

spp.) a genus of flowering plants in the family Asteraceae. Coreopsis flowers often display 34

petals adhering to the Fibonacci pattern. By adding the two preceding numbers (13 and 21)

we arrive at the number of petals observed in coreopsis.

Lastly the helenium (Helenium spp.) a genus of flowering plants native to North and

Central America exhibits 55 petals in its flowers. This number aligns with the Fibonacci

sequence as it is the sum of the two preceding numbers (21 and 34).

In conclusion the Fibonacci sequence is not limited to mathematical concepts but can

also be observed in the natural world particularly in the petal numbers of various flowering

species. The ragwort aster coreopsis and helenium are just a few examples of plants that
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exhibit the Fibonacci sequence in their petal arrangements. This phenomenon highlights the

interconnectedness of mathematics and biology providing further insights into the beauty and

complexity of the natural world.

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References

- Hartmann, H. E. K. (2002). Illustrated Handbook of Succulent Plants: Asteraceae. Springer

Science & Business Media.

- Szymkowiak, E. J., & Knecht, M. F. (2014). Flowering plants of the Galápagos. Cornell

University Press.

- Wainwright, M., Elmer, L., & Wainwright, R. (2011). The Botany of the Commelins: A

Taxonomically Integrated Monograph of the Commelinoid Plants. Royal Botanic

Gardens, Kew.