Lightning Grass (Na'vi name: Zuwìk) is primarily formed of a woody stem covered in dry, bark-like nodes. Within this stem body are fluid-storing cells containing a high concentration of salts and minerals. These give the plant highly conductive properties.
Jutting out from each of the plant's nodes are clumps of red, thin-bladed leaves. During thunderstorms or very cloudy weather conditions, the plant's conductive blades encourage the dispersal of electrostatic energy in the atmosphere and conduct much of this energy to the ground.
The cells within the plant convert some of this electricity into chemical energy, acting as an effective natural battery. An electrochemical process releases this electricity when the plant is disturbed as an effective defense mechanism.
Lightning grass is predominantly found in the Upper Plains, favoring areas where weather conditions are turbulent, and the ground is moist.
Within this region, where thunderstorms and lightning strikes are common, the plant is an important part of maintaining an electrostatic balance. Much like the puffball tree regulates environmental toxins, lightning grass appears to regulate storm activity, dissipating and storing natural electricity with their unique biochemistry.
Lightning grass is avoided by wildlife and Na'vi alike. Its electric shocks, although not fatal, are unpleasant and not something to be experienced twice.