Scientists have studied trees depicted in various works of art and found they follow relatively simple mathematical rules ...

Bonsai is an art form that requires years of training and centuries of dedication. At the 2012 international bonsai convention, a tree was on sale for 100 million yen, just under a million dollars.

This science of trees inspired my colleague and me to measure the scaling of tree branch diameter in art. Among my favorite images is a carving of a tree from a late-medieval mosque in India.

The math concept hidden in this tree art — geometric shapes known as fractals — is apparent in branching patterns in nature and may be key to humans’ ability to recognize such artwork as ...