Rare ‘flower of the underworld’ found in Yunnan’s Ailao Mountains. Photo: web

 
During a recent scientific expedition in the primeval forests of the Ailao Mountains in Southwest China's Yunnan Province, a Sichuan entomologist unexpectedly discovered seven rare saprophytic plants known as "Monotropa uniflora." Due to their translucent white appearance, short blooming period, and extreme fragility, wilting at the slightest touch, they are commonly referred to as the "flower of the underworld" or "ghost plant."

According to Zhao Li, the scientist who made the discovery, these plants grow year-round in dark, damp environments but emerge above ground for only about 40 days each year. The seven plants were found clustered within a one-square-meter area at an altitude of 2,450 meters.

Due to their extreme sensitivity to environmental changes, physical contact or picking can cause the plants to rapidly oxidize and turn black, resulting in death. Moreover, their seeds lack nutrient reserves and cannot germinate once removed from their native habitat and symbiotic fungal systems. For these reasons, "Monotropa uniflora" is listed in the China Biodiversity Red List as a near threatened species.

Experts urge the public to not to disturb or pick these rare plants if encountered in the wild, in order to protect endangered species.