New Plant and Fungal Species Unveiled by Kew Gardens Researchers

Scientists from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and their international collaborators have identified ten remarkable new species of plants and fungi in 2025. This discovery highlights the ongoing need for biodiversity research and conservation efforts, particularly as many newly identified species are already facing the threat of extinction.

Each year, Kew’s taxonomists, alongside partners around the globe, contribute to the understanding of the natural world. In the past year alone, they named 125 plants and 65 fungi, revealing the vast diversity that remains largely unexplored. The annual list includes fascinating species, such as a “zombie” fungus that preys on spiders in Brazil and a “bloodstained” orchid from Ecuador.

Notable New Species

One of the most intriguing discoveries is the “zombie” fungus, named Purpureocillium atlanticum, which infects trapdoor spiders in Brazil’s Atlantic rainforest. This fungus envelops its host in a white mycelium before producing a fruiting body that emerges from the spider’s burrow to release spores. The research team employed cutting-edge genome technology to study this species, led by Dr. Joao Araujo from Kew and the University of Copenhagen.

Another striking addition is the “bloodstained” orchid, Telipogon cruentilabrum, found in the high Andean forests of Ecuador. This species grows on tree daisies and is known for its vibrant, red-veined flowers. Unfortunately, much of its habitat has been lost due to agricultural expansion and mining activities, leading to its classification as endangered.

The new species Aphelandra calciferi, named after a character from the film *Howl’s Moving Castle*, showcases bright orange and yellow flowers. This species, discovered in Peru, has potential as an ornamental plant. Other noteworthy finds include a new subspecies of “living stones,” Lithops gracilidelineata subsp. mopane, and a snowdrop species, Galanthus subalpinus, from the Balkans.

Conservation Challenges

Despite the excitement surrounding these new discoveries, many species are already at risk. For instance, the newly described Cryptacanthus ebo from Cameroon may have already become extinct in its native habitat. According to Kew’s State of the World’s Plants and Fungi 2023 report, approximately three in four unidentified plant species are currently threatened with extinction.

Dr. Martin Cheek, Senior Research Leader at Kew, emphasized the importance of naming new species. He stated, “It is difficult to protect what we do not know, understand, and have a scientific name for. Each identification of a new species helps us better understand ecosystems.” He also noted that human activities are eroding natural habitats, causing extinction rates to rise.

The Kew team aims to address these threats by collaborating with local partners to protect species in their natural environments, integrating them into a network of Important Plant Areas (IPAs). Additionally, conservation efforts include the preservation of seeds at national seed banks, such as Kew’s Millennium Seed Bank, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2025.

With an estimated 100,000 plant species and 2-3 million species of fungi yet to be described, the task ahead remains daunting. Dr. Irina Druzhinina, Senior Research Leader in Fungal Diversity and Systematics at Kew, remarked on the vastness of fungal diversity yet to be discovered, calling it one of science’s most exciting frontiers.

As Kew Gardens continues to unveil new species, the imperative for global biodiversity conservation grows stronger. The discoveries not only enrich our understanding of the natural world but also underscore the urgent need for action to preserve it for future generations.