As the moniker fairy lantern denotes, it looks like a tiny lantern that illuminates the dark forest floor. Credit: Kenji Suetsugu
Key points:
- Scientists have rediscovered a “fairy lantern” once thought extinct 30 years ago.
- The plant is characterized by its unique appearance, elusiveness and lack of photosynthesis.
- The plant’s location sheds light on similar species, including the only one of its kind found in Chicago 100 years ago.
The key features of most plants include green leaves and the harnessing of photosynthesis. However, certain plants have been known to forgo this process and obtain their nutrients from other organisms. One such plant is the genus of Thismia, commonly known as fairy lanterns, which is characterized by its unique appearance, elusiveness and lack of photosynthesis.
Fairy lanterns are rare, found only in sparse locations. They live underground with only their colorful flowers rising above to the surface, often making them appear like mushrooms. About 90 species of Thismia have been found, most limited to their original discovery location, and some have likely faced extinction.
One such species, Thismia kobensis was originally discovered in Kobe City, Japan in 1992. Unfortunately, it was presumed extinct after its habitat was destroyed by an industrial complex. Now, 30 years later, Kenji Suetsugu and his colleagues report its rediscovery in Sanda City, located approximately 30 km away.
Research published in Phytotaxa provides an updated description of Thismia kobensis and highlights how Thismia kobensis differs from similar species. The rediscovered species can be distinguished by its short and wide ring as well as the short hairs on its stigma. After carefully analyzing various characteristics, the researchers determined that Thismia kobensis is a distinct species, with unique characteristics and evolutionary history.
The newly discovered location of Thismia kobensis makes it the northernmost known Asian fairy lantern species. It may also offer new insights into the biogeography of the mysterious fairy lantern, Thismia americana, originally believed to be related to species in Australia and New Zealand.
Thismia americana, the only North American fairy lantern species, was discovered over 100 years ago on a prairie near Chicago, but is now considered extinct. The presence of the mainly tropical genus Thismia in temperate North America remains a mystery to this day.
Overall, after three decades of its elusiveness, the rediscovery of the Thismia kobensis has significantly advanced scientists understanding of fairy lanterns. The paper also includes information on conservation measures to help protect these rare plants.