The delta tree (Na'vi name: apxangrr) is one of two Magellum species living in the forests of Pandora.
Description[]
Seen in the first film
It has toxic leaves to protect from herbivores, and is closely related to the unidelta tree which has toxic roots instead of toxic leaves. The leaves of the Delta Tree have a paralyzing defense mechanism. When the two species of trees grow close together, their roots form connections underground and the toxin from the unidelta tree passes on to the delta tree, making its roots toxic as well. In turn, the delta tree shares nutrients with the unidelta tree. The only sign that toxins have been transferred is a subtle change in the bioluminescence of the tree leaves at night, which the Na'vi have learned to identify. Animals have also learned to avoid feeding on the roots of both trees, making it an excellent defense mechanism for both plants.[2]
A gigantic delta tree seen in the first film
While delta trees are 6.5 meters on average, in reality, they can grow to become far bigger. There is a delta tree seen during the Assault on the Tree of Souls in which Na'vi look very small while running near it. As the tree grows, roots emerge from the trunk and prop it up. Small animals have been known to live underneath the spine-covered aerial roots. The leaves resemble the body of a ray, a terran cartilaginous fish. Rays of course, are also toxic.
Ethnobotany[]
Kiralu collecting delta tree leaves
The Na'vi use many parts of the delta tree, although harvesting them can be quite dangerous. Large stems are cleaned of their spines and carved into elaborate totems, while small stems are used to make walking sticks. Like many plant metabolic compounds, the toxin found in leaves of the delta tree serves as a defense against herbivores that would eat the fleshy leaves to obtain water. The Na'vi have learned to strip off the lower leaf epidermis, which contains the poison glands, and harvest the tasty insides of the leaves. The non-poisonous prop roots are peeled, ground up, and used for flour in cooking. Earthy Herbs are made using the delta tree.
Taxonomy[]
The name Magellum Trianulare originates with the 16th century Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan. Both the delta and unidelta leaves are said to resemble Spanish infantry helmets of the time. Triangulare is the genus of the unidelta tree.[3]
Trivia[]
The bounciness in The Game
A delta tree seen in The Way of Water
- If one attacks a delta tree in Avatar: The Game with a melee weapon, they are shown to be very flexible and bouncy.
- One can be seen behind Miles Quaritch in Avatar: The Way of Water.
References[]
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