Triffids
Triffids are a plant species that feature in The Day of the Triffids.
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History
The Triffids
Overview
The plant can be divided into three components: base, trunk, and head which contained a venomous sting. Adult triffids are typically 7 feet (2.1 m) in height. European triffids never exceed 8 feet (2.4 m); however, in tropical climates, they can reach 10 feet (3.0 m).
The base of a triffid is a large muscle-like root mass, comprising three blunt appendages. When dormant, these appendages draw nutrients, as on a normal plant. When active, triffids use these appendages to propel themselves.
Above the base are upturned leafless sticks which the triffid drums against its stem. The exact purpose of this is not explained; it is originally assumed that they are part of the reproductive system, but Bill Masen's colleague Walter Lucknor believes they are used for communication. Removal of the sticks causes the triffid to physically deteriorate.
It was stated that the first triffids appeared in equatorial regions. Though they develop faster in tropical zones, triffids soon established themselves worldwide, outside the polar and desert regions. When it was discovered that triffids are venomous, they were almost exterminated, until they were identified as the source of valuable oil. Farms were then built to cultivate them.
Upon the discovery that docking their stingers renders them harmless, docked triffids became fashionable in public and private gardens. These triffids are safe provided they are pruned annually, as they take two years to fully regrow their stingers. Farmed triffids are not docked because undocked triffids produce higher quality oil.
Notes
- The Triffids were created by John Wyndham where they featured in the setting of The Day of the Triffids universe.
In other media
Television
- In The Day of the Triffids, the Triffids appeared in the setting of the 1981 live-action television series. This incarnation were the creation of real-life Soviet biologist Trofim Lysenko. The seeds were spread across the globe when a plane smuggling them out of Russia was shot down during the Cold War.
Films
- In The Day of the Triffids, the Triffids appeared in the setting of the 1963 live-action film. In contrast to the novel, this incarnation depicted the Triffids as being extraterrestrial lifeforms transported to Earth by comets.
Appearances
- The Day of the Triffids:
External Links
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