Home / Science / Rare 'Fairy Lantern' Plant Eats Fungi, Not Sunlight!
Rare 'Fairy Lantern' Plant Eats Fungi, Not Sunlight!
3 Dec
Summary
- This fairy lantern species gets energy from soil fungi, not sunlight.
- The rare plant was discovered in Malaysia's Hulu Langat Forest Reserve.
- Fewer than 20 individuals were found in a 1.5-square-mile area.
A remarkable new species, Thismia selangorensis, has been identified in Malaysia's Hulu Langat Forest Reserve, challenging conventional understanding of plant life. Unlike most flora, this 'fairy lantern' plant sustains itself by absorbing nutrients from fungi in the soil, a characteristic of mycoheterotrophic organisms. This discovery underscores that scientific breakthroughs are not confined to remote locations but can emerge from unexpectedly accessible environments.
The elusive plant, only about four inches tall, was found near Kuala Lumpur by naturalist Tan Gim Siew. Subsequent surveys revealed a critically endangered population, with fewer than 20 individuals documented across approximately 1.5 square miles. This suggests that mycoheterotrophs, often dwelling unseen underground, require dedicated conservation attention, especially when found near human-frequented areas like campsites.
