Helicoradian

The helicoradian is a zooplantae (part animal, part plant) possessing a single leaf that responds to touch by coiling up and retracting to the ground. Its neuromuscular system makes it difficult for xenobiologists to classify. Helicoradia can grow to 6-8 meters (20-26 feet) in height and 2.5 meters (8.2 feet) across.
== Uses ==
The Na'vi use leaves of the helicoradian for ornate ceremonial robes as well as other garments, tents, and sacks. Orange pigments in leaves can be extracted and used for paint.
== Defense Mechanism ==
The helicoradian is a type of "sensitive zooplantae" that responds to touch by coiling up so that the single large leaf is no longer exposed to any herbivores that would eat it. Because it grows in clusters, the touch response (possibly taxis) by one helicoradian often triggers the same response in others growing nearby so that the entire population recoils, one plant after another. This retraction is both defensive and an effective feeding mechanism to trap insects and small animals.
The Na'vi are able to wander among the helicoradian without triggering this defense response, but are warned of the presence of danger when the helicoradian starts to retract.
== Commentary ==
When Jake Sully (in his avatar body) touched several helicoradia, the entire cluster retreated. It may have been, however, that the cluster was responding to the presence of a group of herbivorous hammerhead titanothere (which charged Jake in a territorial display).
== Background ==
Helicoradia may have been based on Spirobranchus giganteus, which are small tube worms that can be found on the seas of Earth. These creatures do not only bear a resemblance, but also withdraw when disturbed.Wikipedia - Spirobranchus giganteus article Cameron drew a sketch of a very similar plant as part of his development for his short film Xenogenesis in 1978.
== Trivia ==
*In James Cameron's Avatar: The Game, they glow red and blue at night.
*In the Avatar iOS/Android Game, helicoradia are used as a catapult for jumping.
*Despite being one of the most famous flora, they can only barely be seen in Avatar: The Way of Water. At 26:08, when the Recoms are climbing down their ziplines, they can be seen in the distance on the left side.
*The Pandorapedia entry in the NDS version suggests they may even be able to sense nearby movement, rather than just touch.
*The Guide to the Flora & Fauna of the Valley of Mo'ara indicates that in Mo'ara, they can be found exclusively on the banks of the Kaspavan River, the river in which the Na'vi River Journey ride takes place
== Source ==
*James Cameron's Avatar: An Activist Survival Guide pg 109
== References ==
de:Helikordiane
pl:Helicoradian
ru:Геликорадиан
Category:Flora
Category:Avatar
Category:Avatar: The Way of Water
Category:Avatar: The Game
Category:Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora