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| Thismia daemona Seelanan & Chantanaorr., in Seelanan, Chantapram, Taosiri, Chuchuea et Chantanaorrapint, 2026. |
Abstract
A new species of Thismia from Thailand, Thismia daemona is described based on morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Morphological characters were examined from fresh and spirit materials using a stereo microscope. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted based on three nuclear (SSU, ITS, LSU) and two mitochondrial (atpA, matR) markers. The new species is characterized by coralliform roots, blackish flowers, reddish orange and fleshy outer tepals, inner tepals forming a mitre with three slender claviform appendages, inner surface of floral tube possessing irregular transverse bars in lower half and finely reticulations in upper half, epidermis of transverse bars and reticulations covered with white translucent trichomes, and translucent blue stamens with recurved apex. Phylogenetic analyses support its placement within Thismia sect. Geomitra, with a sister relationship to T. betung-kerihunensis. In addition, the new species is assessed as Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria.
Key words: Achlorophyllous plants, conservation status, coralliform root, endemic species
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| Thismia daemona Seelanan & Chantanaorr. A. Underground part showing hairy roots; B. Above-ground shoots with flowers; C. Top view of mitre showing irregular papillose surface; D. Side view of flower showing outer lobe; E. Longitudinal section of floral tube showing inner surface, three stamens, stylar column and styles; F. Epidermal cells of transversal bar; G. Stamens outer view. H. Stylar column and styles. Photographed by N. Taosiri (B, C, E, G, H) and C. Chuchuea (A, D, F). |
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| Locality and habitats of Thismia daemona Seelanan & Chantanaorr. A. Distribution map; B–D. Habitats; arrowheads indicate plants of T. daemona; E. Plants in natural habitat. Photographed by C. Chuchuea (B–D) and N. Taosiri (E). |
Thismia daemona Seelanan & Chantanaorr., sp. nov.
Diagnosis. Thismia daemona is somewhat similar morphologically to T. limkokthayi, but differs in having reddish orange and fleshy outer tepals, outer surface of mitre covered with irregular papillae, inner surface of floral tube possessing irregular transverse bars in lower half and finely reticulations in upper half, epidermis of transverse bars and reticulations covered with translucent white trichomes, translucent blue stamens, and absence of mitre foveae.
Habitat and ecology. Thismia daemona was found growing amongst leaf litter, under shade of lower montane forest with small bamboo, at elevations 950–970 m.
Tosak Seelanan, Isareyakorn Chantapram, Neeranuch Taosiri, Chanachon Chuchuea and Sahut Chantanaorrapint. 2026. Thismia daemona (Thismiaceae), A New Species from Thailand supported by morphological and molecular evidence. PhytoKeys. 278: 177-189. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.202868 [17-08-2026]
