New botanical wonders reveal urgent extinction crisis
Researchers from the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew have selected ten of the most fascinating plants and fungi discovered in 2024. These discoveries, including the "ghost palm" from Borneo, marzipan-scented lianas, and an entirely new family of plants, highlight the urgent need to protect global biodiversity. Unfortunately, many of these species are already on the brink of extinction.
In western Borneo, scientists described Plectocomiopsis hantu, known as the "ghost palm." This extraordinary plant, with grey stems and white leaf undersides, has been used for centuries by local communities to weave baskets and as a culinary delicacy. Although it has been known for generations, it has only now been officially registered by botanists.
Keita deniseae is a new species of liana discovered in the Boyboyba forest in Guinea. This plant is distinguished by a strong marzipan scent emitted by its roots and stems and large, edible fruits.
It climbs trees using hook-like structures. Named in honour of botanist Prof. Sékou Moussy Keita, it is threatened with extinction due to intense deforestation.
In Vietnam, Chlorohiptage vietnamensis, a vine from the Malpighiaceae family, was discovered. Its natural habitats are being destroyed by the cement industry, pushing this species to the brink of extinction.
A similar fate awaits new orchid species from Indonesia, including Coelogyne albomarginata from Sumatra and Dendrobium wanmae from West Papua, which are also critically endangered.
Chinese lianas Cheniella pubicarpa and Cheniella longistaminea, pollinated by moths, also ranked among the ten most interesting discoveries. The first grows only in two locations worldwide and is characterised by hairy pods.
The second blooms at night, and its stems can reach up to 80 metres in length. Both species are threatened by deforestation and the development of plantations.
In the United Kingdom, scientists identified three new species of fungi from the Phellodon genus, called "toothed fungi" due to their tooth-like structure under the cap. Their survival is uncertain due to their sensitivity to nitrate pollution.
In Lapland and America, "fish fungi" from the Russula genus were discovered: Russula lapponica, Russula neopascua, and Russula olympiana, distinguished by a fish-like smell.
Aphelandra almanegra, a shrub from Colombia with black wood and impressive pink flowers, reaches up to 5 metres in height. Its name means "black soul."
Unfortunately, it is threatened with extinction due to human deforestation. Another remarkable discovery is Virectaria stellata from Guinea, whose unusual hairs are the result of horizontal gene transfer between unrelated plants, possibly mediated by insects.
A new family of plants, Afrothismiaceae, has been identified in African forests, primarily in Cameroon. These rare species do not conduct photosynthesis, obtaining nutrients from fungi through mycorrhiza, resulting in the absence of chlorophyll. Their survival is seriously threatened due to habitat destruction.
There are still many undiscovered species in the world. On average, 2,500 new plant species and the same number of fungi are described each year.
However, estimates suggest that up to 100,000 plant species and over two million fungi species remain to be discovered.
