To accurately model how leaves grow, the team cut leaf shapes out of a rubber material that grows when in contact with water. Because sunlight stimulates lotus-leaf growth, plants tend to curve ...

Harvard University. "Cause behind the characteristic shape of a long leaf revealed." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 26 November 2009. <www.sciencedaily.com / releases / 2009 / 11 / 091123152226.htm>.