Herbert Read once said, “The most general law in nature is equity – the principle of balance and symmetry which guides the growth of forms along the lines of the greatest structural efficiency.” Symmetry is all around us, from leaves to plants, animals to flowers, insects to fruits. The symmetry in the natural world creates balance and harmony and makes it so interesting. Nature and its beautiful artwork are spectacular and remain unmatched. Below are 10 geometrical plants that have the symmetry thing down to perfection and will astonish you with their form.
Sunflower
Van Gogh’s sunflowers paintings draw some serious attention and analysis from plant scientists and it has triggered research. Sunflowers are interesting because they contain both radial and bilateral symmetry. The outer ring of a Sunflower known as ray florets are bilaterally symmetrical whereas the dark inner ring is a cluster of radially symmetrical disk florets.
Dahlia
Dahlias are some of the most exciting flowers that can brighten up any space in an instant. But that is not the only thing that adds to their beauty. These flowers are known for their fascinating radial symmetry and their spiral pattern displays stunning mathematical precision.
Aloe Polyphylla
A stemless aloe with leaves that exhibit a distinctive spiral shape, Aloe Polyphylla. Also known as spiral aloe, it is Lesotho’s National flower and features stunning symmetry. The sharp-edged thick leaves of Aloe Polyphylla forms a spiral, clockwise or counter-clockwise and is an absolute masterpiece.
Romanesco Broccoli
If you hate broccoli, then we are sure that Romanesco Broccoli will change your mind. With a miniature Christmas Tree-like appearance, Romanesco has a fun, whimsical look and exhibits an intricate, mathematical pattern making it a fractal.
Amazon Lily Pad
Also known as Giant Water Lily or Victoria amazonica, this is the largest member of the water lily family with lily pads stretching up to 8 feet across. The shallow pan consisting of veins exhibits symmetry and as such it is used in garden pools and conservatories.
Hoya Aldrichii
Commonly known as Christmas Island Waxvine, this flowering plant looks incredibly exotic. The flowers come in varied colors through white, pink and deep purple-pink and their symmetry will just mesmerize you.
Camellia
Highly prized for their exquisite, symmetrical blooms, Camellias are incredibly attractive flowers that bring great appeal to any setting. Camellia japonica is one of the most striking flowers you will ever come across and its fabulous symmetry have attracted gardeners for hundreds of years.
Crassula Buddha’s Temple Plant
A highly attractive and unusual succulent featuring upward-facing leaves that are densely stacked and folded up at the edges, Crassula Buddha’s Temple Plant boasts of a stunning square-shaped column. These 6-inch columns exhibit beautiful symmetry and resemble a Chinese temple.
Viola Sacculus
Native to Argentina and Chile, Viola Sacculus forms eye-catching rosettes of spirally arranged, semi-succulent leaves. Their striking symmetry and green leaves with dark red margins make for a highly attractive addition to any space.
Flowers like Jeweled Carpet
One of the most unusual and rare flowers is Flowers like Jeweled Carpet. Known for their clusters of small, brightly colored flowers, it displays a fascinating symmetry and looks absolutely stunning.