Rose Prickles and Asparagus Spines--Different Hook Structures as Attachment Devices in Climbing Plants.

ABSTRACT: Functional morphology and biomechanical properties of hook structures functioning as attachment devices in the leaning climbers Rosa arvensis, Rosa arvensis 'Splendens', Asparagus falcatus and Asparagus setaceus are analysed in order to investigate the variability in closely related species as well as convergent developments of hook structure and properties in distant systematic lineages (monocots and dicots). Prickles and spines were characterised by their size, orientation and the maximum force measured at failure in mechanical tests performed with traction forces applied at different angles. In Rosa arvensis and Rosa arvensis 'Splendens' three types of prickles differing largely in geometrical and mechanical properties are identified (prickles of the wild species and two types of prickl

SUBMITTER: Gallenmuller F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4667892 | biostudies-literature | 2015

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature