Plant Morphology and Function, Geometric Morphometrics, and Modelling: Decoding the Mathematical Secrets of Plants

Dear Colleagues,

The morphological characteristics of plants are closely related to their environmental adaptability and reflect their survival strategies. Thus, plant morphology is the embodiment of plant function. The shapes of the leaves, fruits, seeds, roots and trunks of different plants exhibit natural symmetry. However, there is also a certain degree of morphological variation from this perfect symmetry. Even for the same plant species, significant differences in morphological characteristics can be found at different developmental stages. The quantification of the morphological characteristics of plants by establishing mathematical models, especially geometric models and statistical models, is an important research method in the field of plant morphology. The mathematical analysis of the area and shape of the leaves, flowers, seeds, tree rings, and other morphological characteristics of plants by establishing models is of great assistance to understanding the survival strategies of plants. Similarly, it is important to study the functional properties of plants at large spatial scales to help us better understand how elements of plant morphology adapt to environmental changes. Luckily, ten years ago, a universal geometric equation created by Dr. Johan Gielis was proposed. This equation can be used to describe universal natural shapes, especially symmetrical shapes. Moreover, this model provides a strong tool for uncovering the secrets of plant development and evolution.

This Special Issue of Plants is poised to introduce new case studies and novel approaches to determine the morphological characteristics of different plants and their environmental adaptability strategies. In addition, this Special Issue will also focus on quantifying the geometry of the natural shapes of plants to show their survival and evolutionary traits.

Dr. Jie Gao
Dr. Weiwei Huang
Prof. Dr. Johan Gielis
Dr. Peijian Shi
Guest Editors

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