What makes a tree a tree? Or rather, why can we recognize trees in even quite abstract depictions when they are so varied in nature? Researchers have found a clue in the branches, and used math to ...

The math that describes the branching pattern of trees in nature also holds for trees depicted in art—and may even underlie our ability to recognize artworks as depictions of trees. Trees are loosely ...

Sign up for CNN’s Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. Trees depicted in ...

Leonardo da Vinci’s sketch of a tree illustrates the principle that combined thickness is preserved at different stages of ramification. The math that describes the branching pattern of trees in ...

The squiggly trunks and branches of Black Locust stand out in the winter landscape. Photos by Katie Finch Leaves are probably the most common feature used to identify trees. But in winter, when so ...