A SYMBOLIC FRAMEWORK FOR THE DESCRIPTION OF TREE ARCHITECTURE MODELS

The system of tree architecture proposed by Halle and Oldeman consists of 23 models named after botanists playing leading roles in elucidati ng tree architecture. This system gives no indication why other models do not occur. A symbolism is presented here which can serve as a shor thand in recording tree architectures without assumptions about models , and immediately interpretable. Using this symbolism to represent the models proposed by Halle and Oldeman permits creation of general rule s of tree architecture, some of which raise interesting theoretical qu estions. Two further tree models that might well be expected to exist and several which would not be expected, are described. (C)1996 The Li nnean Society of London