The Fire Seed (Na'vi name: txeprina’) plant is an active pyrophyte. It is uniquely adapted to promote and be propagated by grass fires.
The plant body is stemless with pointed leaves, covered in moss-like fronds growing from its base. Once grown, both the leaves and their fronds quickly dehydrate in the sunlight. From the plant center grows woody stalks, terminating in fruiting buds.
The fruit of the fire seed is a serotinous cone which holds its spores in a suspension of inflammable oil. The cone has an extremely hard "flint-like" shell, which if struck by a falling tree or a running animal, can easily spark — igniting its oils which, in turn, sets the whole plant alight.
When exposed to high heat, the serotinous seed opens fully and its spores are distributed on the thermal currents of the fire.
The fire seed grows on the grassy Veldt and its life cycle depends upon fire. Should a fire not occur during the life cycle of a seed pod, its oils seep onto the dry plant and surrounding grasses — increasing the likelihood that it will be ignited by lightning or other natural phenomena.
The cone of a fire seed plant
Fire seed cones are eaten by hardier creatures of the Veldt, especially the bladehead which has learned to use its armored jaw to slowly crack the volatile nut and consume the spores and oil within.
Na'vi Culture[]
Na'vi collect scorched cone pieces to use as both firelighters and tinder, and Zeswa elders use the fire seed plant to deliver a simple lesson. On hunts, Na'vi youth are encouraged to ignite a fire seed cone with an arrow, witness its destruction, then return on their next hunt and mark what has occurred. Although the wildfire destroys, it creates new life and leaves the ground more fertile for its passing, a simple illustration of the balance of Eywa.
The seed is inedible to the Na'vi, although its inflammable oils and fire-starting abilities are valued.
Specialty Cooking Recipes[]
| Recipe Name | Primary Ingredient | Secondary Ingredient | Effects | Description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cheesy Bake
|
Zakru Milk (Fine) | Fire Seed (Fine) | Favored: Gain 20% more favor from Na'vi clans.
|
Big chunks of baked, pungent zakru cheese. Stringy and savory. |
| Confusing Stew
|
Soundblast Colossus Fatty Meat (Exquisite) | Fire Seed (Exquisite) | Bewildered: Rubbery Legs
|
The meat and seeds are delicious, but the dish brings on a strange, disorienting sensation. |
| Fira Grain Soup
|
Fire Seed (Fine) | Coronis Egg (Fine) | Gatherer's Guidance: Clearly see Superior and Exquisite gatherables without activating Na'vi senses.
|
The seeds lend their crunch and spice to the fried egg, forming a textural diet. |
Trivia[]
- If an unopened fire seed is struck by lightning, or shot with Storm Ammo from a shotgun or assault rifle, it turns into a Pale Fire Seed.
- Though the Hunter's Guide states that the seed is inedible, it can be used in cooking.