Local Topological Structures and Global Connectivity Patterns in a Trachelospermum jasminoides: a Pilot Study

Abstract

Topological approaches to biological systems provide insights into their growth patterns, network connectivity and spatial organization. This perspective explores how biological structures self-organize, maintain stability and adapt to environmental constraints, revealing fundamental principles of efficiency, robustness, resilience and functional optimization. In this pilot study, we analysed the local and global topological properties of a Trachelospermum jasminoides bush (commonly known as star jasmine) using persistent homology, graph theory, spectral analysis and percolation theory. The spatial positions of individual flowers were extracted from an image of the bush and represented as a point cloud to capture their structural distribution and spatial relationships. Using Delaunay triangulation, a connectivity graph revealed a dominant connected component with minimal isolated structures. DBSCAN analysis identified a large number of small, localized clusters, reflecting biological and environmental influences. Most flowers connected to five to six neighbours, forming a uniform network with high clustering. Shortest path analysis showed efficient long-range connectivity, with paths avoiding sparse regions. Spectral analysis indicated smooth percolation without bottlenecks, while percolation analysis simulations revealed resilience up to 18% flower removal, after which connectivity broke down. In sum, we showed that the star jasmine bush topology balances local structural constraints with global connectivity, ensuring efficient resource distribution and structural integrity. By integrating topological data analysis with ecological modeling, we suggested a methodological approach to understanding natural growth networks. These insights can inform broader studies on biological pattern formation, network resilience and plant architecture modeling in ecology, agricultural sciences and biomimetic design.

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