Seeds survive extreme falls: Brazil nut tree

1 of 1 Brazil nut case, inner case / Guacamoliest / License

The seeds of a Brazil nut tree can survive long falls without damage due to the reinforced triple layer pod encasing them.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Maintain physical integrity >
	Manage structural forces >
	Impact

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Vehicle designs that better withstand crashes Packages for fragile items Helmets for various sports

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"To coddle fragile items, we might consider the strategies of seed helmets--nuts. The Brazil nuts in your holiday bowl were once packed in a 3-layer, highly reinforced pod that survived an 80-meter fall from the canopy. On the ground, the pod defies opening from all but its ally, the agouti, a caching rodent with strong, angled teeth." (Biomimicry Guild unpublished report)

About the inspiring organism

Bertholletia excelsa
Bertholletia excelsa Bonpl.

Some organism data provided by: LecyPages: The Lecythidaceae Pages
Organism/taxonomy data provided by:
Species 2000 & ITIS Catalogue of Life: 2008 Annual Checklist

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Vehicle designs that better withstand crashes, packages for fragile items, helmets for various sports.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Automotive, packaging, sports and safety

Seeds survive extreme falls: Brazil nut tree

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