Dense covering protects from cold: snow lotus

1 of 2 Icy Saussurea gossypiphora, Himalayas / Prateek / License

Flowers of snow lotus plants protect from the cold via thick, furry insulation.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Maintain physical integrity >
	Protect from abiotic factors >
	Temperature

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Building insulation products Insulating blankets for citrus crops or vineyards

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"A Himalayan plant, saussurea, has taken this kind of thermal lagging to extremes. In some species it is difficult to distinguish the leaves within the mound of fur with which they surround themselves. There is a hole in the top which allows pollinating bees to enter and reach the flowers. Inside it is so snug that the insects often overnight there." (Attenborough 1995:255)

About the inspiring organism

Saussurea
Saussurea

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

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Building insulation products, insulating blankets for citrus crops or vineyards.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Building, agriculture

References

Attenborough, D. 1995. The Private Life of Plants: A Natural History of Plant Behavior. London: BBC Books. 320 p.

Dense covering protects from cold: snow lotus

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