A new species of ‘fairy lantern’ has been discovered in Malaysia by researchers, with a population of less than 20 individuals in the wild. Thismia selangorensis, as it is called, has already been classified as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to its small numbers and threatened habitat.
The Discovery of Thismia Selangorensis
The ethereal plant was recently discovered by researchers in Malaysia and is considered a new endemic species. It has been named Thismia selangorensis and is known for its unique appearance and rarity.
The Threatened Status of Thismia selangorensis
Despite only being recently discovered, Thismia selangorensis is already facing a high risk of extinction. Its tiny population size and vulnerable habitat have led to its classification as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
The Importance of Protecting Endangered Species
This discovery serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting endangered species. with only 20 individuals known to exist in the wild, every effort must be made to conserve this unique plant before it becomes extinct.
A Closer Look at Thismia Selangorensis
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“This discovery shows that important scientific finds are not limited to remote jungles; they can also be made in ordinary environments where constant human activity leaves little room for expectation. Protecting Thismia selangorensis will require cooperation among researchers, the forest department, stakeholders, and the public, as its survival depends on how carefully we tread in its habitat.”
Siti-Munirah Mat Yunoh (FRIM), lead author of the research paper.
Naturalist Tan Gim Siew first spotted the elusive species in November 2023 during a routine photography visit to Taman Eko Rimba sungai Chongkak, part of the Hulu Langat forest Reserve and a long-established picnic and camping destination near Kuala Lumpur. A tiny plant was growing among moist leaf litter near the buttress roots of a riverside tree. Follow-up surveys revealed that fewer than 20 individuals were present, with an estimated occupied habitat of only four km.
Video showing the public nature of Thismia selangorensis‘s habitat. Credit: Gim Siew Tan. The authors highlight that, although part of the Sungai Chongkak forest remains relatively intact, plants growing close to riverside campsites and picnic areas could easily be destroyed unintentionally by trampling or flooding. They recommend careful management of visitor access around known sites, continued monitoring of the population and further botanical surveys to clarify whether the species occurs beyond its currently known locality.
“The most important effort now is to raise awareness about this species so the public realises that it exists – right here, in this small corner of the world, and nowhere else, at least for now. Understanding its presence is the first step towards ensuring that this extraordinary plant is not lost before many people even know it exists.“
Siti-Munirah Mat Yunoh (FRIM), lead author of the research paper.
Original source
Siti-Munirah MY, Gim siew T, Mat-Tahir MF, Azhar A (2025) Thismia selangorensis (Thismiaceae): a new mitriform fairy lantern species from Selangor, Malaysia. PhytoKeys 267: 9-21. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.267.157968
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Related
Thismia selangorensis. A. Young flower that is not yet fully developed ; B. Mature flower living just beside the roots of a tree buttress; C. A clump of flowers at different stages in its natural habitat; D.A clump of flowers showing a different stage of mitre. Credit: Gim Siew Tan (A-C) and Mohd Faizal (D). “This discovery shows that significant scientific finds are not limited to remote jungles; they can also be made in ordinary environments where constant human activity leaves little room for expectation. Protecting Thismia selangorensis will require cooperation among researchers, the forest department, stakeholders, and the public, as its survival depends on how carefully we tread in its habitat.”
Siti-Munirah Mat Yunoh (FRIM), lead author of the research paper.
Naturalist Tan Gim Siew first spotted the elusive species in November 2023 during a routine photography visit to Taman Eko Rimba Sungai Chongkak, part of the Hulu Langat Forest Reserve and a long-established picnic and camping destination near Kuala Lumpur. A tiny plant was growing among moist leaf litter near the buttress roots of a riverside tree. Follow-up surveys revealed that fewer than 20 individuals were present, with an estimated occupied habitat of only four km.
Video showing the public nature of Thismia selangorensis‘s habitat. Credit: Gim Siew Tan. The authors highlight that, although part of the Sungai Chongkak forest remains relatively intact, plants growing close to riverside campsites and picnic areas could easily be destroyed unintentionally by trampling or flooding. They recommend careful management of visitor access around known sites, continued monitoring of the population and further botanical surveys to clarify whether the species occurs beyond its currently known locality.
“The most critically important effort now is to raise awareness about this species so the public realises that it exists – right here, in this small corner of the world, and nowhere else, at least for now. Understanding its presence is the first step towards ensuring that
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This is heartbreaking news, we must do everything we can to protect this amazing species.