Abstract
The strength of leaves from six grasses of sclerenchyma content from 2% to 30% has been measured. The strength of sclerenchyma is 144 M Pa. As long as the sclerenchyma fibres are mechanically separated laterally, they toughen the leaf by reducing its sensitivity to damage. At high sclerenchyma contents the fibres tend to be laterally joined and the leaf, although stronger, becomes more brittle.
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Vincent, J.F.V. Strength and fracture of grasses. J Mater Sci 26, 1947–1950 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00543628
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00543628