Suckers used to attach to roots: Maltese fungus

1 of 1 Cynomorium / Jonathan Gro.. / License

The Maltese fungus extracts nutrients from other plants after attaching to their roots using suckers.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Move or stay put >
	Attach >
	Permanently

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Underground irrigation systems that optimize water use, technology to draw moisture away from sensitive electronic parts, applications for surgery and modifying blood flow.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"On top of a tiny pillar of rock standing in the sea just off the Maltese island of Gozo grows one of the rarest of all Mediterranean plants. It is called locally the Maltese fungus. In fact it is not a fungus but a true flowering plant. Most of its life is spent underground, drawing its nourishment from the roots of tamarisk or sea lavender. At this stage it consists of no more than a stem from which sprout the many suckers that attach it to the roots of its host." (Attenborough 1995:234)

About the inspiring organism

Cynomorium
Cynomorium

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

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Underground irrigation systems that optimize water use, technology to draw moisture away from sensitive electronic parts, applications for surgery and modifying blood flow.

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

References

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

Suckers used to attach to roots: Maltese fungus

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