Fractal Trees

Self-Similarity

A fractal is a pattern that repeats at every scale. Zoom in on any part, and you'll find the same structure again.

The fractal tree demonstrates this perfectly: each branch is a smaller copy of the whole tree.

Levels of Recursion

At each level, branches get shorter by a fixed ratio (typically 0.6–0.7) and split at a fixed angle.

This simple rule—repeat at smaller scales—generates infinite complexity from minimal information.

In Nature

Real trees grow this way because it's efficient: fractal branching maximizes surface area for light absorption while minimizing material.

The same pattern appears in:

• Blood vessels
• River deltas
• Lightning bolts
• Lungs (bronchi)
• Fern leaves
• Romanesco broccoli