Fibers keep tall spikes upright: titan arum

The tall spadix of the titan arum plant remains upright because it is filled with cobweb-like support fibers.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Maintain physical integrity >
	Manage structural forces >
	Compression

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Lightweight building materials with high material strength.

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"The tall grey spadix [of the titan arum], which is filled with cobweb-like support fibres, becomes flaccid, topples forward and droops over the margin of the spathe. The spathe itself contracts inwards and its upper margins start to twist round the lower part of the spadix, clasping it so tightly that a huge water-tight bag is created." (Attenborough 1995:136)

About the inspiring organism

Amorphophallus titanum
Amorphophallus titanum (Becc.) Becc.
[Titan arum]

IUCN Red List Status: Unknown

Some organism data provided by: World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Lightweight building materials with high material strength.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Mechanical engineering, automotive, aviation, building

References

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

Fibers keep tall spikes upright: titan arum

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