The math that describes the branching pattern of trees in nature also holds for trees depicted in art—and may even underlie our ability to recognize artworks as depictions of trees.

Scientists analyze branch patterns in trees and art, from da Vinci to Mondrian by PNAS Nexus Blossoming apple tree, by Piet Mondriaan, 1912.

The math that describes the branching pattern of trees in nature also holds for trees depicted in art—and may even underlie our ability to recognize artworks as depictions of trees.