These very textured leaves remind me of a reptile. Nature seems to apply similar themes to a wide variety of subjects. Here, the leaf scales help the plant engage in the most efficient act of photosynthesis.
Scales also appear on fish and reptile skins, woody plants, pine cones and the outer coverings of various insects. Their role is often protection as well as flexibility. The last dragon we saw was covered with them.
February 26th, 2006 at 9:39 pm
These leaves are extremely tactile and three dimensional – an extraordinary render.
Great job!