The California brittlebush is a shrub commonly found in coastal chaparral regions. The leaves of the plant are covered in short, light-colored hairs that reflect sunlight, preventing its water from evaporating. To conserve water, reduce heat absorption, and/or passively cool, certain designs may incorporate a similar, bioinspired structure of the hairs.

The California brittlebush’s deep, extensive fibrous root system reaches deep into the soil to access groundwater reserves, accommodating the scarce rainwater. The particular pattern of fibrous root systems is described as “dendritic,” a branching, tree-like network that is also prevalent in rivers and blood vessels. The dendritic pattern provides the most efficient path for materials to flow with the least resistance. In order to develop resource-efficient technology, various networks that provide a flow — such as electricity running in circuit boards — may follow this dendritic system.