Climate-Dependent Heat-Triggered Opening Mechanism of Banksia Seed Pods.

ABSTRACT: Heat-triggered fruit opening and delayed release of mature seeds are widespread among plants in fire-prone ecosystems. Here, the material characteristics of the seed-containing follicles of Banksia attenuata (Proteaceae), which open in response to heat frequently caused by fire, are investigated. Material analysis reveals that long-term dimensional stability and opening temperatures of follicles collected across an environmental gradient increase as habitats become drier, hotter, and more fire prone. A gradual increase in the biaxial curvature of the hygroscopic valves provides the follicles in the driest region with the highest flexural rigidity. The irreversible deformation of the valves for opening is enabled via a temperature-dependent reduction of the elastic modulus of the inn

SUBMITTER: Huss JC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5770687 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature