Pandargonium cyanellum

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The sari is a lovely flowering plant with a simple structure consisting of one thick main stem, several whorls of leaves attached in a ring at intervals along the stem, and a large bud at the apex. The bud is actually a cluster of many flowers, or inflorescence, resembling a giant artichoke. Surprisingly, the body temperature of the plant is typically several degrees warmer than the surrounding air, which would be harmful for most other plants. To offset the higher body temperature and greater water loss that results from it, the plant stores water in its thick stem and roots. (Read more)

The sari is considered an early successional plant because it is often the first plant to emerge and grow on newly created soil after a volcanic eruption. Its high body temperature and unique means of dispersing seeds make it well adapted to this habitat. When the flowers in the giant inflorescence have been pollinated and the seeds are ripe, the entire inflorescence explodes open, dispersing seeds in all directions.

Animals and Na’vi have learned to recognize the sounds of this explosion and come to collect seeds to eat. Those that are not collected will germinate and readily grow new plants.

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Quick Facts

• Common NameSari
• Na’vi NamePxorna’lor or “beautiful exploding seed”
• TaxonomyPandargonium cyanellum. Named for similarity to geranium (Pelargonium) on Earth and blue color (cyan).
• Botanical DescriptionVery tall herbaceous plant with single stem and giant flowering bud at the top. Leaves grow in whorls circling the stem.
• EcologySari is one of the first plants to grow on volcanic ash after an eruption. When mature, the seeds explode out of the bud and rain over the nearby landscape.
• EthnobotanySeeds are collected and eaten after they pop off the plant, resembling a giant living popcorn dispenser.