Pseudopenthes coralis

The dakteron bears some resemblance to a well known insectivorous plant on Earth, Nepenthes, one of the pitcher plants. Similar to its namesake, the dakteron has a large leaf modified into a hanging pitcher, with stiff downward-pointing hairs inside that prevent any insects inside from exiting out the top. Other leaves on the plant are more typical and have an expanded blade, although they are largely blue in color. (Read more)

The flower of the dakteron is an elaborate structure with two large bulbous appendages arising from the base. The many pores on these appendages give them the appearance of the sea coral. These bright blue structures emit a lovely fragrance that is attractive to insects. Lured by the scent insects land on the leaf pitcher and crawl inside searching for food, only to be trapped and ultimately digested by the plant.

The remarkable effectiveness of the dakteron in trapping insects is put to good use on Pandora. Pieces of the stem are planted near dwellings, where they will take root and grow leaf pitchers that keep the area free of biting insects. This may have applications for equatorial infestation regions on Earth.

Quick Facts

Common NameDakteron
Na’vi NameYomhì’ang or “small animal (insect) eater”
TaxonomyPseudopenthes coralis. Named for resemblance to Nepenthes, a carnivorous plant on Earth, and to sea coral.
Botanical DescriptionHerbaceous vine with elaborate modified leaf for trapping insects. Showy flower has bulbous coral-like structure that emits fragrance to lure insects.
HeightRoughly sixty centimeters
SpreadRoughly sixty centimeters
EcologyVine that grows from the ground and ascends to great heights by climbing on trees.
EthnobotanyUsed and cultivated around dwelling places as a natural insect trap.

Pseudopenthes coralis

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Quick Facts