Scientists Discover 190 New Plant and Fungus Species in 2025, Highlighting Biodiversity Crisis
In 2025, researchers from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew (RBG Kew) and global partners identified 190 new species of plants and fungi, underscoring Earth’s incredible biodiversity while also sounding the alarm on the urgent threats many face from habitat destruction and climate change.
Why Taxonomy Matters
Dr. Martin Cheek, senior research leader at Kew’s Africa team, emphasized that classifying new species is a critical first step in conservation. “We cannot protect what we do not know,” he warned, noting that human activities like deforestation, mining, and agriculture are driving species to extinction faster than they can be documented.
Remarkable New Species
Among the 190 discoveries, ten stand out for their unique adaptations and ecological roles:
‘Zombie Fungus’ (Purpureocillium atlanticum): Found in Brazil’s Atlantic rainforest, this fungus infects trapdoor spiders, covering them in a white, cotton-like network of mycelium. It eventually produces a fruiting structure that grows through the spider’s burrow, releasing spores to continue its lifecycle.
‘Bloodstained Orchid’ (Telipogon cruentilabrum): Discovered in Ecuador’s Andean forests, this orchid has vivid red-veined lips that mimic female flies to attract male pollinators. Sadly, much of its habitat has been cleared for agriculture and mining, putting it at risk.
Aphelandra calciferi: Named after the fire demon Calcifer from Howl’s Moving Castle, this Peruvian shrub boasts flame-like orange and red flowers and has potential as an ornamental plant.
Lithops gracilidelineata subsp. mopane: A new subspecies of “living stones” from Namibia, these succulents resemble pebbles to avoid herbivores in arid woodlands.
Conservation Urgency
Many newly described species are already threatened with extinction. Scientists estimate that up to 75% of undiscovered plant species could be at risk due to habitat loss. For instance, the Telipogon orchid is known from only a few locations, making it highly vulnerable to environmental changes.
The Bigger Picture
These discoveries highlight both the wonder and fragility of Earth’s ecosystems. They also reinforce the need for increased taxonomic research and conservation efforts to protect biodiversity. As Dr. Cheek notes, understanding and naming species is essential to safeguarding our planet’s biological heritage for future generations.
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Looking Ahead
While celebrating these finds, researchers urge stronger global action to preserve habitats and combat climate change. Supporting initiatives like Kew’s conservation programs is vital to ensuring that the world’s natural diversity—both known and yet-to-be-discovered—survives and thrives.
