The bright radiating lines on the leaves mark the location of primitive sensory cells that converge at the petiole and travel down the length of the plant. When a living organism approaches, the cells bioluminesce brightly, sending a signal to the rest of the plant. This signal triggers a rapid twisting movement of the main stem in the direction of the intruder, who can be slapped by the leaves if he doesn’t quickly move away.
The slapping leaves of the twisted lily are deliberately provoked for fun by young Na’vi and in all seriousness by adults as a fitness and training exercise.
The slapping leaves of the twisted lily are deliberately provoked for fun by young Na’vi and in all seriousness by adults as a fitness and training exercise.