Furry bracts serve as insulation: lobelia

1 of 2 Lobelia telekii / Ole / License

The bracts of Lobelia telekii protect its flowers from wind and cold via long, hair-like shape.

Biomimicry Taxonomy

	Maintain physical integrity >
	Protect from abiotic factors >
	Temperature

Biomimetic Application Ideas

Building insulation products Insulating blankets for citrus crops or vineyards Urban planning models appropriate to habitat

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[Collapse all sections] Summary

"The lobelias carry their flowers densely packed around a thick stem that rises from the centre of the rosette. The action of one species in folding its leaves over the bud at night also provides considerable protection for the flowers. But the lobelia species that remains open must have some additional device. In any case, its flowers would be far beyond the reach of its leaves for they are produced around a column that rises several feet high. It protects them in the same way as the tree-groundsel protects the sap in its trunk -- with lagging, and it uses not dead leaves but exceptionally long hair-like bracts which grow around each flower and together forms a thick fur around the pillar. The flowers themselves are much shorter than the bracts and are almost hidden by them so that the sunbirds, which pollinate the flowers, have to thrust their heads deeply into the fur to find nectar." (Attenborough 1995:263)

About the inspiring organism

Lobelia
Lobelia

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

Bioinspired products and application ideas

Application Ideas: Urban planning models appropriate to habitat, building insulation products, insulating blankets for citrus crops or vineyards.

Industrial Sector(s) interested in this strategy: Urban planning, building, agriculture

References

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

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Furry bracts serve as insulation: lobelia

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