title: Biomechanics of selected arborescent and shrubby monocotyledons.
abstract: Main aims of the study are a deepened understanding of the mechanically relevant (ultra-)structures and the mechanical behaviour of various arborescent and shrubby monocotyledons and obtaining the structure-function relationships of different structurally conspicuous parts inDracaena marginatastems. The stems of five different "woody" monocotyledon species were dissected and the mechanical properties of the most noticeable tissues in the five monocotyledons and, additionally, of individual vascular bundles inD. marginata, were tested under tensile stress. Results for Young's moduli and density of these tissues were assessed as well as the area, critical strain, Young's modulus and tensile strength of the vascular bundles inDracaena marginata. These analyses allowed for generating a model for the mechanical interaction of tissues and vascular bundles of the stem inD. marginataas well as filling major "white spots" in property charts for biological materials. Additionally we shortly discuss the potential significance of such studies for the development of branched and unbranched bio-inspired fibre-reinforced materials and structures with enhanced properties.
authors.affiliation: Plant Biomechanics Group, Botanic Garden, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, D-79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Masselter
authors.affiliation: Plant Biomechanics Group, Botanic Garden, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, D-79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
authors.forename: Tobias
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Haushahn
authors.affiliation: Plant Biomechanics Group, Botanic Garden, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, D-79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
authors.forename: Samuel
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Fink
authors.affiliation: Plant Biomechanics Group, Botanic Garden, Faculty of Biology, University of Freiburg, Schänzlestraße 1, D-79104 Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Speck
keywords: Dracaena; arborescent monocotyledons; biomechanics; biomimetics; functional morphology