The Turtle Graphics Renderer is a simple online platform created by Kevin Roast that allows you to create L-Sytem (“turtle”) patterns. These graphics are recursive patterns characterized by self-similarity and hence fractal-like forms. Plant models and natural-looking organic forms ‘grow’ and become more complex by increasing the iteration level of the form.

To create images, choose a sample image on the right side of the screen and change the mathematical parameters (e.g. angles) at the top of the page. The resulting image is calculated and shown almost instantly. Only the mathematically inclined among you will really understand what actually happens when an image is generated.

Here’s an example of a recursive tree: