Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Ancient Fossil Challenges Fibonacci Spiral Origin Theory

10/20/2025

50 3

Summary

Story summary

A 407-million-year-old fossil of Asteroxylon mackiei from Scotland exhibits non-Fibonacci leaf arrangements, challenging the view that Fibonacci spirals originated in early plants.
Researchers used 3D-printed reconstructions to analyze leaf patterns and found early clubmosses developed distinct spiral arrangements.
The study suggests modern leaf arrangements may not derive directly from Asteroxylon, and the findings were published in Science.

1 of 1

Story summary

A 407-million-year-old fossil of Asteroxylon mackiei from Scotland exhibits non-Fibonacci leaf arrangements, challenging the view that Fibonacci spirals originated in early plants.
Researchers used 3D-printed reconstructions to analyze leaf patterns and found early clubmosses developed distinct spiral arrangements.
The study suggests modern leaf arrangements may not derive directly from Asteroxylon, and the findings were published in Science.