Leaf arrangement collects water: epiphytes

Leaves of Collospermum epiphytes capture water due to their fan-shaped arrangement.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Get, store, or distribute resources >
	Capture, absorb, or filter >
	Liquids

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Water trapping.

> Visit strategy page

[Collapse all sections] Summary

"Collospermums are more specialized as epiphytes…The form of the nests is similar to those of the astelias, but the leaves are different. They are broadly rounded at the base and arranged in wide fans with enclosed spaces between them that function as water tanks…Roots grow upward into the tanks to absorb water, and it has been suggested that scales on the inner leaf surfaces may also absorb water after the fashion of the bromeliads, but this has not been proved." (Dawson and Lucas 2005:39-41)

About the inspiring organism

Collospermum
Collospermum

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

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Water trapping.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Agriculture, construction

References

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

Leaf arrangement collects water: epiphytes

Content tools

Curator of this page

Comments