Scientists have discovered a new species of leafless flowering plant called Thismia daemona, commonly known as the "devil flower," in Thailand's Thong Pha Phum National Park. The plant has an unusual and eerie appearance, featuring a mostly black flower with horn-like appendages and bright reddish-orange patches that resemble glowing eyes. Unlike most plants, Thismia daemona lacks chlorophyll and cannot perform photosynthesis. Instead, it relies on a symbiotic relationship with underground fungi to obtain its nutrients, a process known as mycorrhizal association. This discovery marks the first time a member of the Thismia genus has been found in Thailand. Previously, the group was only known to exist in Peninsular Malaysia, Borneo, and Sumatra. Thismia daemona was found at an elevation of nearly 1,000 meters, which is unusually high and dry for plants of this type. The species belongs to the Geomitra section of the Thismia genus, expanding its known geographic range significantly. The known population of Thismia daemona is extremely small, with fewer than 50 individuals found in an area smaller than a football pitch. Due to its limited numbers and habitat, the species has been provisionally classified as Critically Endangered. Conservationists are concerned about the impact of tourism in the national park where the plant is found. Dr. Sahut Chantanaorrapint from Prince of Songkla University suggests that local communities should be involved in conservation efforts, promoting sustainable practices in line with the UNESCO Man and the Biosphere program. The research on Thismia daemona was published in PhytoKeys, an open-access scientific journal. This discovery brings the total number of known Thismia species in Thailand to sixteen, highlighting the country's biodiversity and the importance of protecting its unique flora.