Geometric Frustration: The Secret to the Rose's Shape

Physicists at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem have discovered the mechanical secret behind the rose's iconic shape. Their research, published in Science, reveals that the unique morphology of rose petals is driven by 'Mainardi-Codazzi-Peterson incompatibility,' a geometric frustration. This incompatibility prevents petals from achieving their ideal smooth curve, resulting in the multiple curls and sharp edges we see. The team used a combination of theoretical analysis, computer modeling, and physical experiments to unravel this mechanism, potentially paving the way for new shape-morphing materials.