Observing for Function

My trip to the park this morning was a little soggy, thought the rain conveniently cleared up as soon as I was done. Now looks like the rest of the day is going to be beautiful.

This massive Eucalyptus captured my attention. As I approached I noticed that half the tree had died and fallen. This huge tree is really only half the size it once was. As I got closer I could see the ground littered with strips of bark, most rolled up into tube like shapes. I looked up into the tree and could see the bark in the process of peeling off the trunk. The wind even blew some down while I was there. I thought that this bark peeling is the STRATEGY the tree is using to protect itself. Protection being the FUNCTION. The tree might be applying the strategy of shedding bark to maintain it's physical integrity.
Why does the tree need this function? Here in San Francisco the climate is fairly warm and fairly wet, very conducive to many forms of life both plant and animal. The smooth sides of the eucalyptus could reduce the opportunities for insects to attack the tree. The bark shedding could be simply a way to maintain this smoothness as the tree grows.

Though what if as insects or fungus attacked the tree and penetrated the bark the bark simply peeled off and feel to the ground. This could prevent the invaders from penetrating to and impeding the function of the vascular system.
Many organisms employ the strategy of shedding their outer layers. Even us humans are constantly shedding skin and hair. Both insects and reptiles shed their outer layers as they grow. All organisms have the need to maintain their physical integrity against both biotic and abiotic factors.

Implications for sustainable design are likely numerous. This type of strategy might be applied to structures to prevent biotic invasion and loss of structural integrity. In this way we would avoid having to apply pesticides or other chemical or high energy mechanical means of protection. I was also thinking that this idea could be applied such that high wear products such as bearings or pistons that require a smooth surface could constantly shed and regenerate the wear surface. This would greatly increase the life of the product. The less often we have to replace these the better.
The first place I went for more information was asknature.org which yielded some information about the fire resistance of Eucalyptus. PDF version below.
Near my house I have the Sf botanical gardens and the California Academy of Science. Both these places are great resources for biological information.

Thanks for following.

Lorris