Rib plants are carnivorous flora that feed on larger flying insects and smaller flying creatures. Formed of a central stem with branches that protrude from either side across its length, the rib plant naturally grows across breezy cave openings where its net-like structure can more easily catch prey.
Both stem and branches are covered in delicate, glandular tentacles that secrete sticky, sweet-smelling fluid. These serve as bait to entice critters and insects to investigate and land on the tendril. When they do, a series of fine, sticky hairs across the tendril grip and restrain the prey in place.
A rib plant closing after being touched
With its prey trapped, the planimal then folds its tentacles and stem around the creature. It retracts and winds around its catch while it slowly digests them.
Rib plants can be found throughout all the regions of the Western Frontier. They naturally favor openings, where they can hang from the ceiling and grow to fill the space.
Na'vi Culture[]
Rib plants are harmless to larger creatures including Na'vi, but Na'vi do find them blocking cave entrances and other narrow passages where they require thoroughfare. They have learned to trigger the plants' feeding response by gently touching the plants' central stem as if they were a passing insect. This causes the central stem to wind and retract.
Source[]
- Hunter's Guide in Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora.