Niklas K. J., Molina-Freaner F., Tinoco-Ojanguren C., Hogan Jr. C. J., Paolillo Jr. D. J., On the mechanical properties of the rare endemic cactus Stenocereus eruca and the related species S. gummosus, American Journal of Botany, 2003, 90(5):663-674, doi: 10.3732/ajb.90.5.663
The comparison of Stenocereus eruca and S. gummosus includes bending and tensile tests of entire stems and excised tissues, anatomical observations and computer modelling. It identifies substantial contributions of peripheral tissues and cross-sectional geometry to stem support. Interpretation requires a distinction between whole-organ flexural rigidity, tissue material properties and breaking stress.