Photo credit: phys.org
New Discoveries: Top 10 Plant and Fungal Species of 2024
This year, scientists from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, alongside their international collaborators, have made significant strides in botanical research by identifying 172 new species of plants and fungi. Among these discoveries, numerous species have been classified as endangered or facing threats of extinction, underscoring the pressing need for conservation efforts.
Noteworthy additions include the enchanting Dendrobium cokronagoroi, Mediocalcar gemma-coronae, and Dendrobium wanmae, which are three newly described orchid species from Indonesia. Throughout the past year, Kew’s research team and partners have named around 149 plant species and 23 fungal species from diverse regions worldwide, from tropical Asia to European forests.
The revelations further include a newly identified bracket fungus, a spectral palm from Borneo, and an unusual family of plants that have lost the ability to photosynthesize and exclusively rely on mycorrhizal fungi for nutritional support. Kew Gardens is actively engaged in conservation efforts, working collaboratively with international partners to safeguard these species in their natural habitats, often termed in situ. For those at higher risk due to habitat destruction, Kew’s horticulturists are skilled in propagating plant material for preservation in the Living Collections or storing seeds at the Millennium Seed Bank located at Wakehurst in Sussex.
One striking example of the urgency surrounding these efforts is a liana species from Vietnam, now classified as Critically Endangered, facing threats from habitat removal linked to cement manufacturing. The researchers at Kew have previously indicated in their State of the World’s Plants and Fungi 2023 report that a staggering three-quarters of yet-undescribed plant species might also be at risk of extinction.
Dr. Martin Cheek, a Senior Research Leader at Kew, highlights the thrill of officially describing new species while acknowledging that many of these discoveries come amid the sobering reality of widespread threats posed by human activities. He emphasizes the critical need for increased funding, education, and public engagement surrounding plant and fungal taxonomy to combat biodiversity loss, which affects ecosystems and humans alike.
This monumental task is further complicated by the sheer number of unknown species. Annually, scientists around the globe report an average of 2,500 newly identified plant species and a similar figure for fungi. However, estimates suggest that there may still be up to 100,000 undiscovered plant species, with fungi likely numbering in the millions.
Research Leader Anna Bazzicalupo notes the significance of finding new fungal species, indicating that many could vanish before they are ever documented. However, the establishment of initiatives, such as the Fungal Conservation Pledge at COP16, aims to elevate the status of fungi in conservation discussions.
Highlights from 2024’s Discoveries:
1. Plectocomiopsis hantu: The Ghost Palm
This climbing palm from Borneo, utilized locally by the Iban communities for basketry, has finally received its scientific name, Plectocomiopsis hantu, after a 90-year wait. Its ghostly appearance features white undersides to its leaves and gray stems.
2. New Russula Species
A collaborative effort among scientists from Europe and the U.S. has yielded three new species of Russula fungi, distinguished through DNA analysis and notable microscopic characteristics.
- Russula lapponica
- Russula neopascua
- Russula olympiana
3. Aphelandra almanegra: The Black-Souled Colombian Plant
This new shrub from Colombia, named for its distinctive black heartwood, features stunning pink blooms. It faces threats from habitat destruction but presents potential for cultivation as a houseplant.
4. The Afrothismiaceae Family
Introducing a new family of fully mycoheterotrophic plants from Africa that lack green pigmentation due to their complete reliance on fungal partners for nutrients.
5. Virectaria stellata: An Irreproducible Herb
This West African herb stirred up interest due to its unique star-shaped hairs unprecedented in its family, suggesting possibilities of genetic transfer.
6. New Species of Phellodon Fungi
Three new tooth fungi species were identified in the UK, indicative of the overall good quality of forest habitats where they thrive.
7. Chlorohiptage vietnamensis: The Critically Endangered Liana
This species from Vietnam, bearing unique green flowers, is facing dire threats from habitat loss linked to quarrying activities.
8. Indonesian Orchid Diversity
A total of five new orchids from Indonesia have been documented through ongoing collaboration among Kew scientists and their Indonesian counterparts.
9. Keita deniseae: The Marzipan-Scented Liana
This new genus from Guinea releases a marzipan-like aroma when scraped, celebrating the contributions of notable botanists in its discovery.
10. Cheniella: Cinnamon Farming Threats
The discovery of three new species in the Cheniella genus from southern China reveals significant threats from agricultural encroachment.
Honorable Mentions
11. Fomitopsis solaris: The New Bracket Fungus
Identified in the UK, this small white fungus exemplifies how previous species classifications can evolve with advances in DNA technology.
Further Reading:
For insights into these new species, researchers have published numerous papers detailing their findings and the implications for conservation.
Source
phys.org