10/14/2002: Fibonacci cauliflower

This is a variety of cauliflower called the "Romanescu". IT's been painted to show off its many different fractal fibonacci spirals.

The image was sent along by Beletseri (thanks!), from this gent's page.

I've never seen or even heard of this variety before, but the gent says that such patterns are visible on all cauliflower if you look hard enough. I guess I haven't looked hard enough. I will now.

Googling for Romanescu suggests that it is rare, and is a term applied to cabbage and broccoli as well, and that those vegetables also have the patterns.

How do I get a job painting cauliflower?

Looking at it again, now, what I wonder is if the paint is edible.

Pearlescent acrylic. Probably Liquitex. I wouldnt eat it. Will take 7+ years to digest. Cramping. Cadmium Red Deep- heavy metals- Dont go there. Three-headed offspring. Cerulean Blue- probably not real pigment. Avoid.

too much time on one's hands

Note to self: When in the produce department, do not "browse" the mushroom section before finishing the rest of the shopping.

Yeesh...

And hey, don't *all* plants grow like fractals?