Historia naturalis palmarum

work by Martius

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June 29, 2026

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Historia naturalis palmarum is a significant botanical work by Karl Friedrich Philipp von Martius, published in three volumes between 1823 and 1850. This comprehensive study, co-authored with others, is renowned for its detailed observations on Brazilian flora, particularly palm trees. Martius noted that leaves on plant stems exhibit distinct arrangements, known as phyllotaxis, which appear to follow a spiral pattern governed by fixed geometric rules.1

Martius, a German botanist, is best known for his extensive work on the flora of Brazil, having participated in a scientific expedition there in the early 19th century. His contributions significantly enriched botanical knowledge and collections, including his observations on plant morphology and arrangements.1

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Karl Friedrich Philipp von Martius
In his Historia naturalis palmarum, 3 vol. (1823–50; with others), Martius observed that leaves on a plant stem appear to form distinct arrangements, or phyllotaxis, and seem to be arranged in a spiral pattern which follows fixed geometric rules. Martius published numerous other studies, most notably Flora…
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In his Historia naturalis palmarum, 3 vol. (1823–50; with others), Martius observed that leaves on a plant stem appear to form distinct arrangements, or phyllotaxis, and seem to be arranged in a spiral pattern which follows fixed geometric rules. Martius published numerous other studies, most notably Flora…
Read More