When I am not busily preparing for Trade Shows like an insane, obsessed, unwashed lunatic, I can often be found watching online episodes of NOVA. No, actually, my life is very little about shopping and buying, much less about glamour and trends, and more about reading, thinking, learning, and trying to get comfortable.
Which brings me to an interesting fact I learned watching an episode called "First Flower" which chronicles the search for the most ancient flowering plant. Anyway, I learned that the older a plant, the more complex the circulation paths in the leaves are. Younger species have comparatively simple leaf veins- more linear, direct circulation, if you will.
Since I am not a scientist, or an expert, I'll stop there. But I will say, when I saw this new series by Nervous System, I was excited. These lovely, lacy patterns are actually the ventilation roadmaps of leaves. I couldn't help but wonder how old these plants are.
The last two images are from their Full Moon series - not leaves, obviously, but too interesting to leave out. Pardon the pun.
View their explorations here
Learn about their processes here
Also - Don't miss this slideshow of ancient, interesting blooms and facts.