Physicists reveal how geometric frustration forms the symbolic flowers of roses

Four physicists from the University of Jerusalem, Hebrew University in Israel, unraveled the mechanical processes behind rose growth and bloomed in a unique shape. In their research published in Journal Science, Yafeichan, Omricohen, Michael Moshe and Elansharon adopted a multifaceted approach to learn the secrets behind Rose Blossom’s growth. Together with the University of Hong Kong, Qingdao and Richui-ai Jin presented their perspectives in the same journal issue that outlines the work.

Roses have been highly praised for their beauty and sweet fragrance for thousands of years, but up until now, the mechanisms behind rose growth have not been explored. To better understand the process, the research team implemented three approaches: First, they conducted a theoretical analysis of the process. They then created computer models to simulate how flowers grow and bloom. Finally, they created real bendable plastic discs to simulate petals and the ways they could grow, given the constraints of actual roses.

They found that petal shapes are strongly influenced by frustration known as incompatibility in Mindy Kodazzi Patterson, a geometric compatibility condition that is inherent to surfaces made of a particular material, leading to forces that produce rolling and sharp edges.

Researchers describe it as “wanting” petals that “want” simply “want” curved shapes as they grow when they form plate-like shapes. However, due to the incompatibility of Mainardi-Codazzi-Peterson, they are unable to form natural curls, and accordingly form multiple curls separated by sharp pointed tips. As the flowers continue to grow and more petals appear, stress increases and more prominent features arise.

The researchers point out that roses are unique among flowers, usually affected by Gaussian incompatibility, leading to wavy patterns, less defined edges and lack of sharp pointed points. They suggest that their research will be useful in the development of shape morphing materials.

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