A “triffid plant” often brings to mind dangerous, mobile vegetation, a concept famously tied to science fiction. While the term originates from a classic novel, it can lead to confusion about whether such plants exist in the natural world. This article explores both the fictional triffid and any real-world botanical associations, clarifying the distinction between the two.
Understanding the Fictional Triffid
The concept of the triffid plant was introduced by John Wyndham in his 1951 post-apocalyptic novel, The Day of the Triffids. These fictional plants are depicted as tall, aggressive, and carnivorous organisms, typically reaching heights of seven to ten feet. Their mobility, achieved through three blunt, muscle-like appendages, allows them to propel themselves with a lurching, ungainly gait, resembling a person on crutches.
Beyond their movement, triffids possess a whip-like stinging appendage within their head, capable of striking prey from a distance of up to fifteen feet. This sting delivers a venom that can blind or even kill a full-grown human, often targeting the face. In the novel, these plants are the result of genetic engineering, possibly from the Soviet Union. They were initially cultivated globally for a valuable, high-quality oil.
After a meteor shower blinds most of humanity, the previously controlled triffids break free from farms, actively hunt, and spread. They become a dominant force in the post-apocalyptic landscape, exploiting human blindness to become the planet’s new apex predators.
Real-World Plants and the “Triffid” Name
While no known plant possesses all the combined attributes of mobility, active predation, and venomous stinging as depicted in fiction, some real-world plants have been colloquially associated with the “triffid” name. One such plant is Euphorbia tirucalli, commonly known as pencil cactus or milk bush. This succulent is prevalent in southern Africa and other tropical regions, sometimes referred to as “triffid plant” due to its robust growth and the nature of its sap.
Euphorbia tirucalli is characterized by its slender, pencil-like green branches that can grow quite tall, reaching heights of eight to ten feet in cultivation and up to thirty feet in its native habitat. When its stems are broken, the plant exudes a milky white latex. This sap is toxic and can cause skin irritation or temporary blindness if it comes into contact with the eyes, which might contribute to its “triffid” association. However, this plant is stationary, relying on passive defenses rather than active hunting, and its toxicity is from contact, not from a directed sting.
Other carnivorous plants, like sundews, pitcher plants, or Venus flytraps, exist and capture insects. These are passive hunters, luring prey with nectar or scent and trapping them. They absorb nutrients from prey to supplement poor soils. However, no real plant can walk, actively pursue prey, or deliver a directed, venomous sting like Wyndham’s creation.
The Cultural Impact of Triffids
John Wyndham’s The Day of the Triffids has left an indelible mark on popular culture, transcending its origins as a science fiction novel. Its enduring appeal is evident in numerous adaptations: a 1962 feature film, multiple radio dramas (1957, 1968, 2001), and two BBC television series (1981, 2009), with new adaptations in development.
The term “triffid” itself has entered the lexicon, becoming a recognizable archetype for dangerous, invasive, or menacing plant life. It often symbolizes the potential negative consequences of unchecked technological advancement or human interference with nature.
The novel’s themes of societal collapse and a world overrun by a non-human threat have influenced other post-apocalyptic narratives, like 28 Days Later. This pervasive cultural presence ensures the fictional triffid continues to capture imagination, representing a primal fear of nature turning against humanity.