This generator spawns sprouts on an existing tree branch structure. Each sprout generator node on the pipeline specifies a pattern of distribution and alignment for the sprouts, which could be assigned to one or more sprout groups randomly. It should be noted that sprout orientation is not completely defined on this node, for other alignment properties might be set depending on the kind of mesh the sprout uses (these are defined on the sprout mesh generator node).

Max Frequency, Min Frequency

Sets the maximum and minimum number of sprouts to generate on a particular branch or sequence of branches. The final number of sprouts on every branch is a randomized number between max and min value.

Distribution

Refers to sprout distribution on sprouts nodes. Each node of n sprouts is positioned along its parent branch as a unit and these sprouts have an axial angle between them using the parent branch as axis.

Alternative

Each sprouts node has a single sprout, subsequent sprouts nodes have an angle offset of 180 degrees compared to its predecessor.

Opposite

Each sprouts node has two sprouts, with an opposite direction taking the same position on its parent branch.

Whorled

The number of sprouts per sprouts node can be specified using the whorled steps value.

Distribution Curve

This curves controls the spacing of sprouts along the parent branch; on the x axis 0 represents the base of the parent branch and 1 the tip of it.

Twirl

Rotation value for the sprouts taking the parent branch as axis.

Alignment

Normally the sprouts point at a 90 degrees angle to their parent branch direction, alignment properties tune the sprout this direction in relation to the sprout position on its parent branch.

Parallel Align at Top, Parallel Align at Base, Parallel Align Curve

Interpolates the direction of the sprouts with its parent branch direction. When 1 the sprout points exactly to the same direction as its parent branch does (thus the parallel name). Parallel alignment value requires a property that tells how much interpolation is going to be applied when sprouts are positioned at base and at top of their parent branch, positions in between are obtained using the parallel align curve property. Negative values on the properties point to the opposite direction of the parent branch.

Gravity Align at Top, Gravity Align at Base, Gravity Align Curve

Interpolates the direction of the sprouts with the against gravity vector. When 1 the sprout points exactly against the gravity vector (upward). Gravity alignment value requires a property that tells how much interpolation is going to be applied when sprouts are positioned at base and at top of their parent branch, positions in between are obtained using the gravity align curve property. Negative values on the properties point to the gravity vector direction (downward).

From Branch Center

When active the sprout mesh originates at the center of the branch mesh and not at its surface.

Distribution Origin

Sets the origin of the sprout lineage in reference to the tree hierarchy.

From Tip Branches

The default mode generates the sprout from the terminal branches on the tree.

From Trunk

The sprout lineage starts upwards from the tree trunk base.

Spread Enabled

If checked then the sprout lineage goes beyond their origin branch (depending on the distribution origin mode). The spread range value controls on how much of the tree hierarchy the sprouts are going to be placed; 0 for the point of origin and 1 for the whole hierarchy.

Sprout Seeds

Controls the assignation of sprout groups on the lineage. The sprouts generated are assigned randomly between all the groups contained on the sprouts seeds value.

Since every sprout generator node creates a single lineage of sprouts, the pipeline allows the inclusion of multiple of such nodes to create a more modular and richer final tree.

The following series comes from two sprout generator nodes, using two different sprouts lineages assigned to three sprout groups.