The Limber Pine, found in the Rocky Mountain area of the Midwestern United States, grows 12–15m tall. The Rocky Mountain area gets no hotter than 22°C even at the height of summer. Winter is long, with temperatures falling as low as -20°C at times. Also, the wind in this area is extremely strong. Despite these harsh conditions, the Limber Pine lives for more than 300 years. How can it live for so long? The key is its structure - large roots, a strong truck, and flexible branches that move with the wind. Large roots anchor the tree firmly to the ground. Its trunk contains cellulose (which is also found in the delicious and useful product nata de coco); cellulose fibers intertwine with other fibers in the tree as it grows, strengthening it so that the tree can withstand the force of the wind. Its branches, meanwhile, are soft and move with the wind, which lessens its impact on the tree.
- Efficiency(Energy Saving, Resource Saving, Light):
- High intensity
- Defense/Stability:
- Wind resistance
The structure that creates the Limber Pine’s strength could be used to strengthen structures and products against harsh wind and temperature conditions. For example, architectural structures such as bridges, electric poles, cars, and machine parts could all be strengthened. The structure of the Limber Pine can inspire many ideas for how to withstand harsh environments. The way that its branches disperse the wind’s impact is reminiscent of the long-standing practice of planting trees to shield houses from the wind. The example of the Limber Pine can also be applied to the design of tents and prefabricated houses used in disaster situations. Sturdy rooms could easily be constructed by using parts similar to the tree’s strong roots and twisted trunk fibers.