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Rare orchid blooms again in northern Thailand's forests

Jan 29, 2026, 2:00 PM10
(Update: Jan 29, 2026, 2:00 PM)
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Rare orchid blooms again in northern Thailand's forests

  • A rare orchid, identified as Fah Mui Noi, was discovered and taken to a nursery for care after being found in Chiang Dao, Thailand.
  • On January 16, 2026, the orchid bloomed, revealing its beauty and confirming that it was not extinct as previously thought.
  • This rediscovery highlights the importance of conservation efforts and the potential for other species thought lost to still exist.
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In Thailand, a rare orchid species once considered extinct has been rediscovered and has recently bloomed. This remarkable event took place in early December 2025 when a plant survey team from the Department of National Parks, Wildlife and Plant Conservation discovered a Vanda-type orchid during an exploration in the Chiang Dao district, located 70 kilometers north of Chiang Mai. Initially unidentified, the team brought the orchid back to a nursery for further evaluation, recognizing its potential significance. The orchid thrived in the nursery, and on January 16, 2026, coinciding with Teacher's Day, it produced a flowering spike, revealing white petals with purple tinges and a remarkable fragrance. Upon further examination, researchers identified the orchid as Fah Mui Noi, or Vanda coerulescens, which had been believed to have disappeared from the wild. This remarkable rediscovery has reignited hope for conservation efforts concerning rare plants in the region, showcasing the importance of continued research and preservation of Thailand's diverse natural ecosystems. The Department of National Parks highlighted the orchid’s revival as an encouragement for conservation endeavors and a reminder that valuable natural treasures may still exist in the forests, awaiting protection and appreciation. Notably, although once thought extinct, some populations of Fah Mui Noi were later found in natural forests, leading to its classification as a rare but extant species. Presently, the orchid is recorded not only in Thailand but also in northeastern India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, and southern China, emphasizing its geographical significance. The story of Fah Mui Noi underlines the substantial and critical role conservation plays in safeguarding biodiversity, offering insights into how flora can at times defy extinction through persistence.

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