Relictithismia

Relictithismia kimotsukiensis is a species of fairy lanterns, in the family Thismiaceae. It is the only species in the genus Relictithismia. This mycoheterotrophic plant is known only from the Kimotsuki Mountains, in the Ōsumi Peninsula, Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu Island, in the southern Japan. The species is assessed as Critically Endangered based on IUCN Guidelines. The genus is characterized from the closely related Haplothismia by its solitary flowers, having an annulus, and anther thecae largely separated, whereas in Haplothismia the 2-6 flowers are borne on pseudoracemes, without annulus, and the anther thecae are connate.

Etymology
The genus name is derived from the combination of Latin words "relictus", meaning "left behind", and the generic name "Thismia", whereas the species name "kimotsukiensis" refers to the type locality of the species, Mt. Kimotsuki.

Distribution
This species is known only form the type locality in the Kimotsuki Mountains, in the Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu Island, in southern Japan.

Phenology
Flowering individuals, as well as individuals with immature fruits were observed and collected in the month of June.