Giant lily pads are characterized by their wide circumference allowing maximum photosynthesis. A pattern of deep, tapered veins on the underside of the lilypads have evolved to increase stiffness and buoyancy. Vein patterns are driven by a branching logic but also a cellular logic, both driven by a differential of vascular performance vs. structural capacity. The pattern, based on incremental subdivisions, has a bio-mathematical similarity to dragonfly wings and alligator skin.