I found a generative computational artist named Anders Hoff (aka inconvergent) – he uses circles and convergent points to create an algorithm that mimics branches of a tree, all encompassed in a circular canvas.
The program ‘decides’ whether to collide or create a new branch, thus creating both intersection and deviation points to simulate a natural-looking plant.
The size of the branches also impacts the variability as well as the form, as the smaller branches have to respond to the larger branches that have already been drawn.
I think this is a cool way to bring computing and art together, and the detail that the artist includes (smaller branches are more concentrated and have comparable ‘mass’ to larger branches) is indicative of his dedication to making his algorithm match realities of the natural world.