A distinctive plant that steals nutrients from underground fungi has been identified as a new species by botanists from the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), working alongside local naturalists and stakeholders. The findings were recently published in the journal PhytoKeys.
Discovery and classification
Discovered in the tropical rainforests of Peninsular Malaysia, the plant, named Thismia malayana, belongs to a unique group known as mycoheterotrophs. Unlike most plants that perform photosynthesis to produce their food, mycoheterotrophs like Thismia malayana operate as parasites. They siphon carbon and nutrients from fungi connected to their roots, bypassing the typical process of photosynthesis.
Mycoheterotrophy and ecological role
Thismia malayana exploits the mycorrhizal symbiosis—a relationship usually beneficial to both fungi and plants where fungi provide nutrients in exchange for carbohydrates produced by the plant. In this case, Thismia malayana one-sidedly benefits by extracting nutrients from the fungi without reciprocating.
This parasitic adaptation enables Thismia malayana to thrive in the low-light conditions of dense forest understories. Its flowers, small and specialized, are pollinated by fungus gnats and other minute insects, indicating a highly evolved relationship with its environment.
Morphological characteristics
The plant is diminutive, measuring about 2 cm in length, and is often concealed in leaf litter or growing near tree roots and decaying logs. The research team located Thismia malayana in two distinct areas: the lowlands of Gunung Angsi Forest Reserve in Negeri Sembilan and the hilly dipterocarp forests of Gunung Benom in the Tengku Hassanal Wildlife Reserve, Pahang.
Conservation concerns
Despite its modest size, Thismia malayana is highly sensitive to environmental changes. It has been classified as Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List criteria. The species' limited distribution and potential threats from trampling—due to its proximity to popular hiking trails—highlight the need for rigorous conservation efforts.
This discovery underscores the rich biodiversity of Malaysia's rainforests and the importance of preserving these ecosystems. Conservation strategies are crucial to protect Thismia malayana and other rare species that contribute to the ecological balance of their habitats.
The continued collaboration between botanists, naturalists, and local stakeholders is essential for ensuring the survival of such unique species and maintaining the ecological integrity of Malaysia's rainforests.
Source: Pensoft Publishers