Thismia malayana, a newly discovered plant in Malaysia’s rainforest, is parasitic on fungi to survive in shaded substrates. Its small size, insect-pollinated and vulnerable listing underscore its conservation needs.

Scientists have discovered an extraordinary plant that survives by stealing nutrients from underground fungi. This unusual plant is called Thismia malayana recently published as a new species in an open access journal FitoKeys Botanists from the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM) in collaboration with local naturalists and stakeholders.

A unique survival strategy Thismia malayana

Thismia malayanaIt belongs to a group of plants known as mycoheterotrophs, found in the tropical forests of Peninsular Malaysia. Unlike most plants, mycoheterotrophs do not photosynthesize. Instead, they act as parasites, stealing carbon resources from fungi on their roots. This adaptation often takes advantage of mycorrhizal symbiosis, a mutually beneficial relationship between colonizing fungi and the plant’s root system.

Habitat and pollination

This newly discovered species, which steals nutrients from fungi, thrives in low-light conditions in dense forest thickets where fungus gnats and other small insects pollinate highly specialized flowers.

This magnificent plant is about 2cm tall and is usually found in leaf litter and growing near tree roots or old rotten logs. The research team identified Thismia malayana in two locations: the lowlands of Gunung Angsi Forest Reserve in Negeri Sembilan and the hilly Dipterocarp forests of Gunung Benom in Tengku Hassanal Wildlife Sanctuary, Pahang.

Protection issues

Despite its small size, Thismia malayana It is very sensitive to environmental change and is classified as vulnerable according to the IUCN Red List criteria. The potential threat of trampling due to its limited distribution and proximity to hiking trails highlights the importance of continuing conservation efforts.