Dynamics of Flower Head Movement in Bio-System

Abstract

This paper is concerned with plant biomechanics to obtain inspiration for innovative engineering technology from nature. The dynamics of the flower head movement and the plant growth was studied experimentally. The folding and unfolding movements of the petals of cut dandelion flower heads were observed by the low-speed photographing method. Movements of cut dandelion flower heads were observed as movies, and analyzed by the personal computer. The surface cell form of the petal of the dandelion, Taraxacum officinale, was also observed by the laser beam microscope. The time change of the surface form of petal cells was clarified.