Thismia selorensis
An almost extraterrestrial appearance for something that grows just a few meters from picnic areas.
The “fairy lantern”, now considered one of the rarest plants in the world, was hidden among distracted tourists in a forested area in Malaysia.
The species was practically visible to everyone, next to a pedestrian path at Taman Eko Rimba Sungai Chongkak, on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, a space used for picnics and excursions.
The plant, officially named Thismia selorensisbelongs to the genus Thismiaa group of peculiar plants that have completely abandoned photosynthesis. Instead of using sunlight, these plants obtain energy from underground fungi. Because they lack chlorophyll, they have soft peach and pink tones that easily blend in with the layer of dead leaves on the forest floor, making them almost invisible to a distracted observer.
The new species was first noticed in November 2023 by naturalist Tan Gim Siewduring a visit to the park. It measures around 10 centimeters in height, has coral-looking roots and a peach-colored flower that ends up forming an “umbrella” structure, known as mitra.
After several visits to the site, Siew estimates that there are fewer than 20 examples. Therefore, the species was early classified as “Critically Endangered” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
The study of the species, at PhytoKeys, warns that the survival of the species will depend on the way the park is managed, especially during periods of greater influx of visitors.
The discovery increases the number of known species of the genus Thismia to around 120, many of them equally discreet and difficult to observe.
Experts point out that the vulnerability of these plants is linked to their dependence on little disturbed forests and very specific soil conditions. Research teams will continue to monitor the site and look for new nuclei in the surrounding areas.
