 |
| Thismia limkokthayi Siti-Munirah & E. Chan in Siti-Munirah, Suhaida et Eddie, 2022. |
Abstract
Thismia limkokthayi, a distinct mitriform species of the mycoheterotrophic genus Thismia, is described and illustrated. It was found at a locality in the upland areas of Genting Highlands, Pahang, Malaysia. This new species is morphologically similar to members of Thismia sect. Geomitra, but differs in several characteristics, including the colour of the floral tube, the inner surface of the floral tube with longitudinal ribs and absent transverse bars, a stamen apex with a central lobe (prolongation of the rib) and two lateral lobes (the tips of each are recurved) and a black-purplish stigma. Thismia limkokthayi is provisionally classified as Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.
Keywords: fairy lantern, Genting Highlands, taxonomy, upper hill dipterocarp forest
 |
| Thismia limkokthayi Siti-Munirah & E. Chan A coralliform roots B full flower C claviform tip of mitre appendage D longitudinal section of floral tube, showing inner surface E outer tepal and inner tepal F side view of mitre G mitre viewed from above H six stamens, viewed from below I outer view of a stamen J inner view of two pendulous stamens K detail of the side lobe on the supraconnective apex (side lobe with truncate tips that are recurved inwards) L ovary with style, stigma and flower bud surrounded by bracts M stigmas. All from FRI FRI91138a (A, D, I, J, K, L, M), FRI91138b (H) and FRI91138c (B, C, E, F, G). Photos by Siti-Munirah MY; images not to scale (see dimensions in description and Fig. 1). |
 |
| Thismia limkokthayi Siti-Munirah & E. Chan, with scale (all in centimetres (cm)) A plants with mature (FRI91138c) and young flowers with long stems B mature flower with a very short stem (FRI91138b) C stamens (FRI FRI91138a). Photos by Siti-Munirah MY. |
 |
| Thismia limkokthayi Siti-Munirah & E. Chan A group photo with the T. limkokthayi (white arrow) in its habitat (from left; Angan A, Siti-Munirah MY, Eddie C, Ahmad Norsidar AH and Suhaida M) B–C different stages of anthesis of T. limkokthayi in its habitat (in situ) B two mature flowers from one individual C a fresh flower (on the left) and a new young flower starting to bloom (on the right). Photos by Siti-Munirah MY. |
Thismia limkokthayi Siti-Munirah & E.Chan, sp. nov.
Diagnosis: Thismia limkokthayi is distinguished from closely-related species by the following combination of characteristics: black to dark brown floral tube and appendages, the presence of mitre fovea between the bases of claviform appendages, the presence of longitudinal ribs and absent transverse bars on the inner side of the floral tube, the apex of stamens with a central lobe (prolongation of the rib) and two lateral lobes (the tips of each are recurved) and dark purple stigma.
Etymology: Thismia limkokthayi was named in honour of Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay, Chairman of the Genting Group, who is closely involved in efforts to develop eco-tourism facilities and amenities supporting the preservation and sustainability of important biodiversity assets and sites in Genting Highlands.
Mat Yunoh Siti-Munirah, Mustafa Suhaida and Chan Eddie. 2022. Thismia limkokthayi (Thismiaceae): A New Mycoheterotrophic Species from Genting Highlands in Pahang, Malaysia. PhytoKeys. 211: 1-11. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.211.89453
