In a world where the discovery of new plant species is becoming increasingly rare, the recent unveiling of a new species and genus of fairy lantern in Japan marks a monumental stride in botanical science. Known for their delicate, translucent appearance and unique dependence on fungi rather than photosynthesis for nourishment, fairy lanterns—or Thismiaceae—stand out as botanical curiosities. This latest discovery, named Relictithismia kimotsukiensis, not only highlights a new species but also introduces a new genus, an event not seen in Japan for nearly a century.

Located in the botanical hotspot of Japan, renowned for its detailed and extensive flora research, the finding underscores the unending mysteries hidden within even the most well-studied environments. Professor Suetsugu Kenji, a leading figure in the study of non-photosynthetic plants at Kobe University, spearheaded the research…