Surata IV Vine

The Surata IV Vine is an unnamed species of predatory vegetation native to the planet Surata IV. It lives in symbiotic relationship with the Surata IV Microbes which colonize the vine's hollow thorns.

Biology
This species has mobile rhizomatous appendages covered in sharp thorns, which can detect the presence of warm-blooded organisms nearby. It seems capable of telling androids apart from organic beings, and is aware that the former aren't a viable food source, as it has shown no interest in attacking Data.

The vine stabs its victims with thorns that are filled with deadly symbiotic pathogens, which attack the nervous system. The symptoms of the resulting infection manifest quickly, rendering the victims unconscious and dead within minutes, so that the vine's root system can feed upon their remains.

Appearances

 * Star Trek: The Next Generation, s02e22, "Shades of Grey" (1989)