The Fractal Fern Generator creates graphical images of a certain type of fractals that can be constructed by linear transformations: rotations, mirror operations, multiplications and translations. Simply, fractals generate points to plot on a graph that are the result of iterated calculations. The answer from one calculation is used as the input value to the next calculation. One sort of fractal is known as the Iterated Function System, or IFS. You start with shapes plotted on a graph, and iterate the shapes through a calculation process that transforms them into other shapes on the graph. Starting with four shapes, one of which is squashed into a line segment (this becomes the fern s rachis or stalk), you apply the shapes to the calculation to generate more shapes, feed them back into the calculation process, etc. Eventually a pattern emerges that bears a startling resemblance to a fern, if you choose the right starting shapes and positions. The longer you continue the iteration process, the more intricate the tiny detail in the pattern becomes.

Fractal Fern

This fractal system was first explored by Michael Barnsley at the Georgia Institute of Technology in the 1980s.

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Bourke, P., 1993. Fractal Dimension Calculator User Manual, Online.

Fractal Coastline software used in "Properties of Fractals"

Science fractals FAQ

Biography about Benoit Mandelbrot

"What are Fractals?" is NASA Fractals

"Fractals in Nature" can be found at Fractal Images of CNAM Paris under Ifs Pictures