The word "triffid" has become a common reference in British English to describe large, invasive or menacing-looking plants.

In the 2009 two-part TV series, the triffids are a naturally occurring species from Zaire, discovered by the West and selectively bred as an alternative to fossil fuels, to avert global warming.

[3] In the novel a dozen names beginning with tri-, with a long i vowel, had been bandied about before the term standardized on "triffid", with a short i.

The exact purpose of this is not explained; it is originally assumed that they are part of the reproductive system, but Bill Masen's colleague Walter Lucknor believes they are used for communication.

The upper part of a triffid consists of a stem ending in a funnel-like formation containing a sticky substance which traps insects, much like a pitcher plant.

When attacking, a triffid will lash the sting at its target, primarily aiming for its prey's face or head, with considerable speed and force.

Triffids reproduce by inflating a dark green pod below the top of the funnel until it bursts, releasing white seeds (95% of which are infertile) into the air.

[2] The triffids also show awareness by their habit of herding blind people into cramped spaces to kill more easily[4] and rooting themselves beside houses, waiting for the occupants.

In Steve Sekely's 1962 film adaptation, the triffids (now given the binomial name Triffidus celestus) were designed with flaying tentacles below their stems, which they use as slashing weapons and to drag their dead prey.

Their stingers, which in previous film adaptations could not penetrate glass, are powerful enough to shatter windows, like those of the original triffids of the novel.

Instead of a cup they have a pink flower-like head, resembling a cross between a lily and a sweet pea, that enlarges before releasing the sting.

Reference is made to the original film in "Science Fiction Double Feature", the opening song of The Rocky Horror Show.

In the computer and mobile rogue-like video game Cataclysm: Dark Days Ahead, Triffids are a faction composed of human-sized plant creatures that are aggressive to the player.

[10] The more dangerous version of these creatures is the "Triffid Queen", described as being cow-sized and very competent fighters with high hit points.