A new and very special plant species has just been discovered in Malaysia.
In the forests of Terengganu, a team of researchers identified
Thismia aliasii, a chlorophyll-free plant that depends on fungi. Published in
PhytoKeys, this discovery highlights a species already threatened by human activity.
Thismia aliasii.
Credit: Siti-Munirah MY, Mohamad Alias S
The plant, belonging to the
Thismia genus, intrigues with its mycoheterotrophic lifestyle. It draws its nutrients not from sunlight but from soil fungi.
Its flowers, adapted for pollination by small insects, add to its uniqueness. The discovery was made possible thanks to the careful observation of Mohamad Alias Shakri during an expedition in 2019.
Classified as critically endangered,
Thismia aliasii has fewer than five recorded individuals. The growing popularity of hiking in the region increases the risks to its survival.
This discovery enriches the known biodiversity of Terengganu, already recognized for its wealth of
Thismia species. It underscores the importance of protecting these unique ecosystems.
A - Chemerong Waterfall, 1,214 feet (370 m) high.
B - Chemerong River, near the habitat of Thismia aliasii.
C - Thismia aliasii, individual discovered by Mohamad Alias in 2019.
D - Thismia aseroe, observed on the trail at Hutan Lipur Chemerong. What is mycoheterotrophy?
Mycoheterotrophy is a feeding strategy where a plant indirectly obtains organic matter through fungi. Unlike photosynthesis, this strategy allows survival in low-light environments.
These plants establish a symbiotic relationship with mycorrhizal fungi. The fungi provide them with necessary nutrients in exchange for sugars, though some plants like
Thismia parasitize these fungi.
This mechanism is rare and concerns less than 1% of vascular plants. It is mostly observed in dense forest habitats where light is limited.