For me, the classic "leaf" is the Holy Grail of fractals. I have spent so much time and effort trying to pull this type off with zero success. I've studied the parameters of others and understand conceptually where to put the transforms, but I've never been happy with the results. I still haven't mastered the fractal leaf, merely stumbling onto the form by chance. I guard the parameters with my life!
I have such anxiety posting this piece, because I spent months trying to perfect it. I must have well over a hundred versions of this flame. At least. I had one version all ready to go, but still spent all yesterday tweaking the gradients (I count sixteen rendered gradient versions). I immediately stopped my tweaking after viewing this one in full view.
As a side note, I'm not sure if it's because the fractal is so dense, but I inadvertently rendered a 5400x3600 at 4000 density (quality) and it was suspiciously fine. Normally I render at over 40,000 for prints. I left the density at 4000 and upped the size to 9000x6000 and it only took about 5 hours. I was sure it would take me well over a day to render. I'll have to try that with a couple of Julians I have. They are such a pain to render. (>~<)
I have no understanding of what you just said--all I know is--it's BEAUTIFUL. It reminds me very much of the botanical studies of the 19th cen and I would most certainly buy it as a print to hang in my house, if I had one. It turned out splendidly and you should be proud of your work, Cheers!