Devil Flower Discovered
Scientists have found a bizarre plant species in Thailand that can survive without sunlight, obtaining nutrients through fungi in the soil, and it's been named Thismia daemona or the 'devil flower'
Scientists have made a surprising discovery in a Thai forest, uncovering a new species of plant that can survive without sunlight. The plant, named Thismia daemona or the 'devil flower', was found in Thong Pha Phum National Park in western Thailand in May 2025.
Thismia daemona has a unique appearance, with horn-like appendages and reddish-orange patches, and can reach a height of approximately 12.5 centimeters (5 inches), including its flowers. The plant was found growing among fallen leaves and small bamboo at elevations of approximately 930 to 970 meters (~3,000 feet).
One of the most unusual features of Thismia daemona is its ability to obtain nutrients without using sunlight. The plant has no chlorophyll and cannot make its own food through photosynthesis, instead relying on fungi living in the soil to provide the carbon and other nutrients it needs. This process, called mycoheterotrophy, allows the plant to survive on the dim forest floor.
The discovery of Thismia daemona was a surprise to scientists, as Thismia species are generally associated with constantly humid rainforests at lower elevations. The plant spends most of its life hidden beneath fallen leaf litter, appearing above ground only briefly to flower and produce fruit.
## Why it matters The discovery of Thismia daemona highlights the diversity of plant life on Earth and the unique adaptations that some species have developed to survive in different environments. The fact that this plant can survive without sunlight has significant implications for our understanding of the natural world and the ways in which plants interact with their surroundings.
The finding of Thismia daemona also underscores the importance of continued exploration and research into the natural world, as there may be many more species waiting to be discovered that have unique characteristics and adaptations. As scientists continue to study this plant and its habits, they may uncover even more surprising facts about the 'devil flower' and its place in the ecosystem.
