Real-time procedural generation of a growing corn model

We present a method for the real-time procedural generation of a growing plant based on biological rules and physical assumptions, using corn as our model organism. Circular contours and segments of spirals are used to model the plant modules, i.e. leaf lamina, leaf sheath and stem. The growth of the plant modules is controlled by parametrized growth functions with growth rates determined by factors such as nutrient uptake. Leaf margin undulation is determined using a modified differential growth model. Leaf curvature due to gravity is estimated using a spring-based rigidity model for the leaf midrib. This plant model may be used as basis for realistic, virtual plants in virtual and augmented reality platforms.