Songkhla: A rare plant, *Phisawong Rayang*, was discovered for the first time in Khao Wang Pha forest! Forest rangers from Khlong Cham Hai found the rare plant, indicating the abundance and health of Songkhla's forests.
According to Thai News Agency, the PR page of the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation has published images of "Pishawong Rayang," a beautiful gem hidden in the deep forest. This very small plant, only 2-8 centimeters tall, is amazing because it's a "symbiotic plant," lacking green chlorophyll for photosynthesis, but surviving on nutrients from a network of fungal hyphae underground. It was discovered by forest rangers from the Khlong Cham Hai Ranger Unit during a quality patrol in the Khao Wang Pha National Forest Reserve, within the Ton Nga Chang Wildlife Sanctuary in Songkhla Province. This is considered a first-time discovery in this forest area!
The flowers resemble pitcher or lantern shapes, translucent white with long, bright yellow to orange filaments extending from the petals, creating a beautiful, almost artistic appearance. The flowers of this magical plant have a very short blooming period before wilting rapidly. Seeing them with the naked eye therefore requires both luck and the right timing.
This plant grows only in very lush rainforests with thick layers of organic matter and free from human disturbance. The discovery of numerous miniature lanterns is not just the finding of a rare plant, but also a "confirmation" of the integrity of the ecosystem, protected by the sweat, sacrifice, and dedication of all forest rangers who act as a shield, ensuring our forests remain abundant.