Scientists Uncover a Mysterious New Variety of 'Lantern Shrubs'
In 2019, the forests of Terengganu, Malaysia, unveiled a hidden gem. A unique plant, a never-before-seen species, was spotted by researcher and nature guide Mohamad Alias Shakri. Dubbed "fairy lantern" for its extraordinary appearance, this new find belonged to the Thismia genus.
The researchers responsible for the discovery, including Siti-Munirah Mat Yunoh of the Forest Research Institute Malaysia, formally introduced the plant as Thismia aliasii in a recent publication in PhytoKeys. This distinguished moniker honors Shakri himself.
The researchers' description paints a vivid picture of the enigmatic plant. With a bulbous top and appendages resembling oversized petals or spindly starfish tentacles, the plant dons shades of orange or yellow hues. Remarkably, this spectacle unfolds in the moist, shaded realms of upper hill dipterocarp forests.
However, locating and obtaining specimens for further study has proven challenging. Due to the mountainous terrain and the delayed efforts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers have documented only five specimens of Thismia aliasii since its discovery. Despite Terengganu's reputation as one of the Peninsular Malaysian states with the highest species diversity of Thismia, the newcomer remains scarce.
The researchers attribute the diminished population to the area's popularity as a mountaineering destination. Consequently, Thismia aliasii is now classified as critically endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List.
Thismia plants, like Thismia aliasii, are mycoheterotrophic. This means they eschew photosynthesis and instead form a symbiotic relationship with fungi for nutrition, acting as parasites. These peculiar flowers often attract specific pollination mechanisms that involve tiny insects such as fungus gnats.
The discovery of Thismia aliasii serves as a reminder that Earth's most frequented corners still harbor countless mysteries, beckoning us to learn and protect.
- The newfound species of Thismia, named Thismia aliasii, was discovered in 2019 in the forests of Terengganu, Malaysia, by nature guide Mohamad Alias Shakri.
- Remarkably, Thismia aliasii has only been documented in five specimens since its discovery, due to the challenging mountainous terrain and delayed efforts caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Thismia aliasii is mycoheterotrophic, which means it eschews photosynthesis and instead forms a symbiotic relationship with fungi for nutrition, acting as a parasite.
- The critically endangered status of Thismia aliasii on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List highlights the importance of protecting these areas, as Earth's most frequented corners still harbor countless mysteries waiting to be discovered.
