Researchers have found an answer to a centuries-old floral mystery, using a mathematical model to explain how striped tulips get their distinctive pattern.
Often referred to as "broken tulips," the striped variations of the popular flower were coveted in the 17th century for their beautiful markings. It's been known since 1928 that the pattern is caused by a viral infection known as the tulip breaking virus, but exactly how the signature stripes are formed remained an unsolved mystery until now.
In a study published in Nature Communications Biology and led by University of Alberta mathematics professor Thomas Hillen, researchers found out the tulip breaking virus inhibits the production of anthocyanins, the pigments that give tulips their vibrant colours.
