The Day of the Triffids

This month we’re taking a look at movies plants are the stars. This time it is the 1963 sci-fi thriller, The Day of the Triffids, loosely based on a novel written by the English author, John Wyndham. A meteor shower kicks off two events – anyone observing the shower is blinded, and the small triffid plant mutates. The mutation causes triffids to suddenly grow quite large, and to be able to move. They can pull themselves out of the ground, walk about on three stubs, and attack people and animals!

Movie poster for The Day of the Triffids (1963)

Fortunately, some people scattered over England and France retained their sight because they did not view the meteor shower. They learn more about the triffids – an autopsy reveals they can come back to life, they are attracted to and will follow sound, they amass in large numbers, fire and electric fences may slow them down but not stop them. Finally these people discover the plants can be destroyed by salt water, and all is saved. Here’s the trailer – look for glimpses of the plants!

As far as I know, plants cannot pull themselves out of the ground, and walk over to attack someone. But plants do move. Heliotropic plants actually “follow” the sun across the sky over the course of the day. Some plants send out runners, which set down roots, enabling the plant to “move” into new territory. Seeds can move to a new area in various ways – blowing in the wind, clinging to fabric or fur, or being eaten and then deposited. And plants can “attack” with poison, allergy, or simply taking over the garden!