Symbiogenetic alien orchid

The "symbiogenetic alien orchid", so dubbed by Tom Paris, was a variety of orchid native to a planet in the Delta Quadrant. It reproduced by the rare process of symbiogenesis, in which it merged with another species to form a unique hybrid third species; this trait was evidenced by the presence of lysosomal enzymes in the orchid. Otherwise, the orchid contained similar biochemical elements as most other plants, such as chloroplasts and cytoplasmic proteins.
In 2372, sensors registered that this flower could provide a valuable nutritional supplement for the crew. Lieutenant Tuvok and Neelix collected several dozen samples of the orchid. When they beamed back to Voyager, the enzymes responsible for symbiogenesis in the orchids interacted with their DNA in the matter stream, causing a transporter accident in which they were merged into a single being. ()
Voyager brought a sample of the orchid to the Alpha Quadrant. In 2381, Ensigns D'Vana Tendi and T'Lyn were moving it when a petal slipped out of its sample container and was sucked into the ventilation system. The petal was then unknowingly transported with Commander Andy Billups and Doctor T'Ana, causing them to be merged into T'Illups. Wanting to avoid Tuvix's fate, T'Illups proceeded to use the orchid to create five more hybrids. In attempting to corral them, T'Lyn inadvertently merged the six of them again into a single non-sentient being. ()
Category:Plants