The monotropastrum humile plant, which resembles a ghost and is found in woodlands throughout East and Southeast Asia, was believed to be one species only.

Botanists have made a significant new discovery that fundamentally alters our understanding of this odd-looking plant genus: a rosy pink-colored variant is actually a brand-new species.

The significance of combining various analytical techniques to fully comprehend and safeguard biodiversity is emphasized by this 20-year study.

An ethereal color variant of a mysterious plant

(Photo : Sincerely Media/Unsplash)

Once upon a time, photosynthesis and green leaves were thought to be fundamental aspects of plants, as per ScienceDaily.

Some plants, however, no longer use photosynthesis and now obtain their nutrients from other living things.

One such mycoheterotrophic plant is the ubiquitous Monotropastrum humile, which has a ghostly appearance and is found throughout East and Southeast Asia.

It frequently flourishes in shaded woodlands where it feeds on the hyphae of fungi to get the nutrients it requires.

It was once thought that there were only one species of this plant in the world, despite its widespread distribution.

However, a variation found in Japan has been revealed by Professor Suetsugu Kenji and colleagues to be a brand-new species, upending our understanding of this peculiar-appearing genus of plants.

It has lovely, otherworldly petals that are rosy pink and stems that resemble milk glass.

The new species is known as Monotropastrum kirishimense because it was first discovered in the Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan, the area near Kirishima.

This new species was initially considered to be M. humile f. roseum, a color variant of M. humile.

Thus began a comprehensive, multifaceted 20-year study to ascertain the precise differences between these plants.

Specimens were gathered from all over Vietnam, Taiwan, and Japan.

The results of various analyses revealed morphological differences, such as the fact that M kirishimense's flowers and ovaries are more rounded than those of M. humile and that its rootball is more covered by the soil than M. humile's (which has protruding root tips).

Additionally, M. humile flowers bloom about 40 days earlier than M kirishimense flowers during the flowering season.

The two plant species share the same primary pollinator (the bumblebee Bombus diversus), so the timing of their flowers can help ensure conspecific mating and prevent hybridization by reducing the amount of heterospecific pollen that is deposited.

There are a number of additional explanations for how M. kirishimense and M. humile could have diverged into different species.

One explanation is that they became specialized in eating various fungi, which prevented them from reproducing together or allowed them to become reproductively isolated.

This method of species evolving from a common ancestor is known as resource partitioning and is one of the main ways.

As a result, this research suggests that M. By relying on a particular kind of fungus, kirishimense may have developed into a new species.

In fact, the phylogenetic tree of the plants themselves, which serves as a "family tree" of the evolutionary history of a group of organisms, reveals that M. kirishimense and M. humile's genetic traits can be divided into two clades.

Overall, the study team not only discovered that M. kirishimense is a unique species that has helped scientists better understand the Monotropastrum genus of plants.

Mycohetrotrophic plants, which are typically found in old-growth forests and rely on specific ecosystems for survival, are extremely susceptible to extinction.

M kirishimense, a recently identified species, is rare and possibly endangered. As a newly discovered species, it can now be protected with conservation efforts.

Also Read: Rare and Gorgeous Ghost Orchid May Be Added to the Endangered Species List

Benefits and conventional applications of ghost plant

The root has antispasmodic, hypnotic, nervine, sedative, and tonic properties when infused, as per Health Benefits Times.

It is an effective treatment for nervous conditions, including spasms and fainting spells.

Children who experience fits, epilepsy, or convulsions have received it.

Some indigenous North American Indian tribes used the plant to treat eye issues; the stem was bruised, and the clear stem fluid was applied to the eyes.

Also used to treat nervous irritability, including fits and spasms, is stem juice.

It has previously been suggested as a potential opium substitute. Colds and fevers have been treated using an infusion of the leaves.

Bunions and warts can be removed by rubbing crushed plants on them.

The plant's poultice has been used on wounds that are challenging to heal.

Chewing on flowers has been used to treat toothaches in the past. The plant's water extracts have bactericidal properties.

The powder has been used as an alternative to opium in cases of restlessness, pain, nervous irritability, etc., without any negative effects.

It is said to be an effective antiperiodic and to have treated remittent and intermittent fevers.

Children's convulsions, epilepsy, chorea, and other spasmodic afflictions have all responded well to its administration.

The plant's juice has been discovered to be an excellent treatment for ulcers, obstinate ophthalmic inflammation, and as an injection for gonorrhea, inflammation, and bladder ulceration.

It has also been used to treat severe anxiety disorders and/or psychotic episodes brought on by intense drug use.

Related article: Endangered Ghost Orchids To Grow Again In Native Florida Forests