(University of Florida/Wolfgang Sigmund) A Lady's Mantle leaf is densely covered with hairs (trichomes). Water forms a perfectly spherical droplet on the leaf surface and easily rolls off.
Water-Blocking Material Mimics Spider Hair
MARCH 08, 2010
It’s been long known that spiders use their water-repelling hairs to stay dry or avoid drowning. Spiders "have short hairs and longer hairs, and they vary a lot. And that is what we mimic,” said Wolfgang Sigmund, a professor of materials science and engineering at the University of Florida.
See Dr. Sigmund's findings here: sigmund.mse.ufl.edu/hairysurface
Read a related report: Water-blocking material mimics spider hair, MSNBC
