“It’s very reminiscent of what happened at Romanesco,” said Dr. Godin proudly.
Normally, when a plant germinates a flower, the flowering tip of the plant prevents further growth of the stem. Cauliflower curd are buds that were designed to become flowers but never get there, throwing them away instead. But experiments by meristem researchers have found that because this shoot has gone through a temporary flowering phase, it is exposed to genes that lead to its growth. “Because you are a flower, you are free to grow and you can shoot,” said Dr. Persian.
This process creates a chain reaction in which the meristem produces multiple shoots which in turn creates multiple shoots, activating the cauliflower’s fractal geometry.
It’s no ordinary stump,” said Dr Goodin. “This is a leg without leaves. Mindless feet.”
“It’s the only way to make cauliflower,” says Dr. Persian.
Researchers say there may be another mutation responsible for the Romanesco’s extraordinary shape. Ning Gu, a researcher at the Beijing Vegetable Research Center who also studies the possible genetic mechanisms behind the structure of cauliflower curds, said the paper provided “a lot of inspiration.”
“The story isn’t over,” said Dr. Godin, adding that he and Dr. Parsi will continue to improve their cauliflower model. “But we know we are on the right track.”
But they say they are open to learning anything from flowers.
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