Using Lindenmayer systems to model morphogenesis in a tropical pasture legume Stylosanthes scabra

This paper summarizes the processes involved in designing a mathematical mo del of a growing pasture plant, Stylosanthes scabra Vog. cv. Fitzroy. The m odel is based on the mathematical formalism of Lindenmayer systems and yiel ds realistic computer-generated images of progressive plant geometry throug h time. The processes involved in attaining growth data, retrieving useful growth rules, and constructing a "virtual plant" model are outlined. Progre ssive output morphological data proved useful for predicting total leaf are a and allowed for easier quantification of plant canopy size in terms of bi omass and total leaf area.