Structure and shape provide flexibility: vines

1 of 1 snaky vine / Lena Struwe / License

Architecture of vines increases flexibility via soft tissue components and ribbon-like shape.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Make >
	Physically assemble >
	Structure

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Flexible couplings, shafts, tubing

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"There is another way in which the stem anatomy of woody vines differs from that of trees. In trees, the wood or xylem, of which only the newest and outermost annual ring actually conducts water, is in the form of a solid cylinder whose rigidity is able to support large crowns of leaves and branches. Vines need to be more flexible to cope with the twists and turns of climbing or the stresses that result when they partly or completely slip away from their supports. Woody vines achieve flexibility by having a considerable amount of soft tissue as well as wood in their stems. In some, the cylinder of wood is divided into segments that alternate with soft tissue; in others, there are alternating cylinders of wood and soft tissue. Some woody vines also have flattened, ribbon-like stems to achieve greater flexibility." (Dawson and Lucas 2005:17)

About the inspiring organism

Plantae
Plantae

Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Flexible couplings, shafts, tubing.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Manufacturing, plumbing, building, water infrastructure systems

References

Dawson, J.; Lucas, R. 2005. The Nature of Plants: Habitats, Challenges, and Adaptations. Portland: Timber Press. 314 p.

Structure and shape provide flexibility: vines

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