"Plant 43" (more commonly known as "Ivy") was a plant-based B.O.W. developed by the Umbrella Corporation after analysing the data collected from Plant 42 during the Mansion Incident in an attempt to develop it as a marketable biological weapon. A poisonous variant exists known as "Poison Ivy". 1 2
History
Officially named Plant 43 by its developers and colloquially dubbed "Ivy", by using the data taken from the completed analysis of Plant 42 before and during the Mansion incident at the Arklay Laboratory, Plant 43 was developed with the intention of creating a self sufficient and adaptable plant-based B.O.W. Like Plant 42, they were based on insectivore plants and were selectively bred and administered the t-virus to allow them to move freely on their own. The t-virus makes them more sentient and aggressive as a result. 3 4
Although they were initially developed in the Raccoon City Underground Laboratory, they were also developed in other Umbrella facilities such as the Tyrant Plant on Sheena Island. An enhanced version was later developed known as "Ivy +YX" which combined a human gene within the B.O.W.'s genome, eliminating the weakness caused by its slow movement.
Attributes
Ivy are able to absorb water vapour through their surface in order to survive and possess the ability to move freely through the use of their tendril-like vines which form appendages similar to legs. Their primary attack method is through the use of two ivy-like appendages which their colloquial name is derived from, which act as arms. They also possess the ability to spew highly corrosive digestive enzymes from their head-like flower, and also inherit the blood-sucking capability of Plant 42. It is originally an insectivore plant and therefore relies on a combination of water vapour, photosynthesis and feeding on insects and small animals in order to sustain themselves. The Ivy's weaknesses include its slow, plodding movements and inherent weakness to fire. 5 6
They are able to adapt to their immediate environment through their ability to absorb water vapour through the air. This ability also renders them susceptible to the absorption of harmful substances such as gases in the air. Depending on the element, the Ivy can undergo a cellular change - the Poison Ivy is one such example. Although thanks to their adaptability, potentially harmful substances may provoke other internal changes rather than damaging the B.O.W. 7 8 9
Footnotes
- 1. Biohazard 3: Last Escape Official Guidebook - Fulfilment Of Her Escape ~ page 149
- 2. Umbrella Top Secret File
- 3. Ivy Notes (UC)
- 4. Ivy Notes (DSC)
- 5. Research On Biohazard 2 ~final edition~ ~ page 30-31
- 6. Biohazard Gun Survivor Official Guidebook ~ page 127
- 7. Resident Evil Archives - Pg 180
- 8. Biohazard: The Umbrella Chronicles Art Of Arts ~ page 047
- 9. Inside Of Biohazard: The Darkside Chronicles