RIGOROUS TREATMENT OF RICHARDS MATHEMATICAL-THEORY OF PHYLLOTAXIS

This paper is devoted to clarifying definitively the mathematical relations between the parameters involved in Richards's centric representation of the spirally arranged primordia of plants. The parameters are the divergence angle, plastochrone ratio, and phyllotaxis index, together with the necessary adjustments on the approximately conical surface of the apex; the spirals (the so-called parastichies) are logarithmic. We give examples and discuss, in the light of recent advances, some trials dealing with Richards's descriptive theory. © 1979.