The cause behind the characteristic shape of a long leaf revealed
Tuesday, November 24, 2009 - 06:28
in Physics & Chemistry
Applied mathematicians dissected the morphology of the plantain lily (Hosta lancifolia), a characteristic long leaf with a saddle-like arc midsection and closely packed ripples along the edges. The simple cause of the lily's fan-like shape - elastic relaxation resulting from bending during differential growth - was revealed by using an equally simple technique, stretching foam ribbons...