Open-tube honeycomb foam structure absorbs high levels of compressive loading.
The Tinder Bracket Fungus grows and maintains a sizeable fruiting body over several years, withstanding compressive loading from snow, ice, birds, and mammals. To combat these forces, the fungus utilizes a unique open, long-tube honeycomb hard-foam structure that exhibits admirable compressive force absorption. This structural arrangement absorbs ten times more compressive vertical loading than horizontal compressive loading.
