THISMIA (FAIRY LANTERN) OF MALAYSIA
Thismia (the fairy lantern) is a genus of small, achlorophyllous, mycoheterotrophic herbs that inhabit the shaded forest floors of tropical and subtropical regions. Malaysia is currently recognised as one of the world’s centres of Thismia diversity, with approximately half of the species in the genus documented from the country. Many species have been described in recent years, most of which are narrow endemics restricted to single localities or microhabitats. This paper provides an updated overview of Thismia diversity in Malaysia, highlighting its distribution and ongoing conservation challenges. Recommendations for integrative taxonomy, habitat management, and public awareness are proposed to strengthen future conservation efforts for this unique lineage of mycoheterotrophic plants.
SITI MUNIRAH MAT YUNOH
Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM)
Siti Munirah Mat Yunoh is a senior researcher and plant taxonomist at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM), since 2006. In addition to being a Rafflesia enthusiast, her interest in Thismia began during her active exploration of forest complexes throughout Peninsular Malaysia for the Flora of Peninsular Malaysia Project. Her first discovery was Thismia kelantanensis, and subsequent collaborations with local naturalists led to further discoveries and the publication of many new species of Thismia from across Peninsular Malaysia. She is currently documenting these unique mycoheterotrophic plants of the family Thismiaceae for the Flora of Malaysia.