One of the most well-known orderly sequence of numbers in mathematics is the Fibonacci series. It was named in honor of Leonardo Fibonacci, the famous Italian mathematician of the middle ages. The now famous series of numbers is given by the infinite elements: 0,1,1, 2,3,5,8,13,21,34,55,…; and figuring out the pattern, one can deduce that each next element is generated by adding the last two numbers preceding it. Quiet astonishingly, many occurrences in nature such as in flowers carry these numbers; examples of which are given below where the numbers indicated are elements of the series.
White Calla Lily
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Any of several chiefly southern African plants of the genus Zantedeschia, and is widely cultivated as ornamentals and cut flowers for their showy white, yellow, pink, colors. It is uniquely bringing forth a single petal corresponding to the second and/or third element of the Fibonacci series, with zero being the first element as shown above.
Euphorbia
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Euphorbia is one of the most diverse genera in the plant kingdom, consisting more than 2000 species. They are mostly found in Continental Africa and America as well as in the exotic island country of Madagascar. For uniquely having two petals, it may correspond to the fourth element of the Fibonacci sequence.
Trillium
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Is a perennial herbaceous flowering plant of about 40-50 species. They are native to temperate regions in Asia and North America. Common names include trillium, wakerobin, and birthroot. For having three petals, it can represent the number three (3), the 5th element of the Fibonacci series.
Columbine
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Any of various other plants of the genus Aquilegia, and is characterized by divided leaves and showy flowers of various colors. Columbine is the state flower of Colorado. With its five petals it can very well represent number five (5), the sixth member of the Fibonacci series.
Bloodroot
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Also known as bloodwort, pauson, red puccoon root is an eight petalled flower native from Nova Scotia, Canada down to Florida, United States. For having eight petals (8), it may represent the number 8, the 7th member of the Fibonacci series.
Black-Eyed Susan
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Very common place in the United States, perhaps this is the most popular wild flower in North America. The brown domed center is surrounded by thirteen bright yellow petals; a number that could represent number 13 for the 8th member of the series.
Shasta Daisy
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Its petals are white, and elongated and incised oblong. In their proper position the petals would make an approximately 10 cm radius, making the flower large. The domed part at the center is circulated by the characteristic 21 petals; thus, representing the 9th member of the series
Field Daises
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Although some members of this species do have different number of petals, but in general, they commonly have thirty four (34), qualifying it to represent the number 34 of the Fibonacci sequence, the 10th member of the series.
These flowers carrying the elements of the Fibonacci series may not pose any wonder for the huge part of nature is mathematically predictable, just like the planets in their faithful course around the sun are being governed by a not so complex mathematics. But, are they product of an accidental event in the cosmos? Or caused by an intelligent being, the very same simple logic that the presence of a piece of wrist watch is impossible without an intelligent designer?
