Aristid Lindenmayer Introduces the World to L-Systems

The Hungarian theoretical biologist and botanist, Lindenmayer, developed Lindenmayer systems (or L-systems) to mathematically describe the growth processes of plant development.

This algorithmic botany is still used today by artists such as Zancan and Johnathan McCabe in digital generative art to mimc the fractal patterns of trees and plants. In fact, Le Random’s collection has two excellent contemporary examples that highlight the algorithm: McCabe’s Evotree #1 (2023) and Zancan’s Lushtemples — Highlights of the Hike.