What new 'fairy lantern' plant species, Thismia selangorensis, was discovered in Malaysia in 2025?

A fascinating new botanical discovery in Malaysia, Thismia selangorensis, has captivated scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. This tiny, delicate plant is a species of "fairy lantern," a nickname given to members of the Thismia genus due to their ethereal appearance. Unlike most plants, Thismia selangorensis is mycoheterotrophic, meaning it lacks chlorophyll and cannot perform photosynthesis. Instead, it relies entirely on a parasitic relationship with underground fungi to obtain its nutrients, making it a unique and intriguing part of the forest ecosystem.

The discovery of Thismia selangorensis is particularly remarkable because it was found in November 2023 by naturalist Gim Siew Tan in Taman Eko Rimba Sungai Chongkak, a popular recreational forest park near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, rather than a remote, undisturbed jungle. This peach-pink flowering plant stands only about 4 inches (10 centimeters) tall and has distinctive coral (Deals)-shaped roots. Its formal description was published in late November 2025, and its species name, "selangorensis," pays homage to the Malaysian state of Selangor where it was located.

Despite its recent discovery, Thismia selangorensis is already classified as critically endangered, with fewer than 20 individual plants known to exist within a very small area. This precarious status highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts. The plant's existence in an area frequented by humans underscores that significant scientific finds can occur in unexpected places and emphasizes the importance of careful stewardship of even seemingly ordinary environments to protect such extraordinary and vulnerable species.