Meet the 'Devil Flower': A Mysterious Plant Found in Thailand

Topic: Biology

Scientists from Chulalongkorn University and Prince of Songkla University discovered a new species of leafless flowering plant in western Thailand. The plant, called Thismia daemona or the 'devil flower', has a striking appearance with black flowers and horn-like appendages. It was found growing at an elevation of nearly 1,000 meters.

Scientists have identified a remarkable new species of leafless flowering plant growing on the forest floor of Thong Pha Phum National Park in western Thailand. Its unusual appearance inspired its name: Thismia daemona, the 'devil flower'. The plant belongs to Thismia, a genus of tiny species sometimes known as 'fairy lanterns'. These plants lack chlorophyll and do not carry out photosynthesis. Instead, they obtain nutrients through underground fungi and remain concealed beneath layers of leaf litter for nearly their entire lives.

A team of botanists from Chulalongkorn University and Prince of Songkla University discovered the new species while surveying Thong Pha Phum National Park. The plant was growing at an elevation of nearly 1,000 meters, an unusually high and seasonally dry environment for members of the genus.

The discovery also changes scientists' understanding of the geographic range of this plant group. Thismia daemona belongs to Thismia section Geomitra, which had previously been documented only in Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatra. Finding it in Thailand extends the known distribution of the entire section farther north for the first time.

Why It Matters

This discovery is important because it shows that even in unexpected places, new species can be found. It also highlights the need to protect these unique plants and their habitats.

Key Facts

• A team of scientists from Chulalongkorn University and Prince of Songkla University discovered a new species of leafless flowering plant in western Thailand.
• The plant, called Thismia daemona or the 'devil flower', has a striking appearance with black flowers and horn-like appendages.
• It was found growing at an elevation of nearly 1,000 meters.
• Thismia daemona belongs to Thismia section Geomitra, which had previously been documented only in Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo and Sumatra.
• The species has been provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered due to its limited population size.

Key Terms

Chlorophyll

A green pigment found in plants that helps them make food from sunlight.

Photosynthesis

The process by which plants use sunlight, water and air to make food.

Implications

This discovery is important because it shows that even in unexpected places, new species can be found. It also highlights the need to protect these unique plants and their habitats.