Scientists Uncover Rare Black 'Devil Flower' in Thailand

A team of botanists has identified a previously unknown plant, Thismia daemona, in Thailand’s forests. The species is almost entirely subterranean, obtaining nutrients by parasitizing fungi rather than photosynthesizing. Only fewer than 50 specimens have been recorded, and the plant’s limited distribution and specialized ecological niche suggest it is already critically endangered. The discovery was made during a survey of understory flora in a protected area, where researchers noted the plant’s distinctive black, bell‑shaped flowers emerging from the soil. The find adds to the growing list of rare mycoheterotrophic plants and raises immediate concerns about habitat loss and the need for targeted conservation measures.