Who would have thought that from the quiet limestone cliffs of Lopburi, Thailand, a tiny flower would emerge with a unique shape that would astonish botanists, resembling the face of... a monkey?
Yes, you read that right. This newly discovered plant species, named Microchirita simia, is one of four remarkable additions to the genus Microchirita announced in 2024.
However, among the four, M. simia is remarkable for its remarkable visual similarity to a monkey's face, as if the flower itself is grinning from behind its delicate green leaves.
Origin and Exclusive Habitat
Microchirita simia was discovered in the Khao Phra Ngam area of Lop Buri Province, Thailand. Its natural habitat lies within a karst limestone ecosystem, specifically in mixed deciduous forest. This unique environment is known for hosting a range of endemic species that cannot survive elsewhere.
Because M. simia is currently known to exist in only this single location, it is considered extremely rare and has quickly become a focus for conservation efforts.
Unique Morphology: Unusual Color and Form
One of the most striking features of M. simia is its distinctive and vibrant coloration: a vivid purple on the upper side of the corolla and a bright yellow on the underside. This makes it the only known species in the Microchirita genus to display such a color combination.
When viewed from the front, the flower’s corolla creates the illusion of a monkey’s face—complete with an almost lifelike expression. The flower measures approximately 28–30 mm in length, with a complex, curved tubular structure. The upper lip stands erect, while the lobes are divided in a way that mimics facial features.
The plant’s stem is fleshy and succulent, with a glossy deep purple hue and covered in fine hairs. Its leaves grow in opposite pairs (except at the base), are thin and oval to oblong in shape, and are bordered with soft hairs, giving them a delicate texture to the touch.
A Poetic Name
Beyond its enchanting shape and coloration, Microchirita simia also bears a local name that is equally captivating: Yad Vanom Pak, which translates to “monkey face dewdrop.” This name beautifully captures the delicate yet whimsical essence of the tiny flower, charming, strange, and undeniably exotic.
The Discovery and the Team Behind It
The discovery of Microchirita simia was part of the Flora of Thailand Project, led by Thailand’s Department of National Parks (DNP). The research team included Thai botanists Naiyana Tetsana, Pachok Puudjaa, Theerawat Thananthaisong, Kunanon Daonurai, Kerkwit Poompayak, and Somran Suddee.
They worked in close collaboration with Dr. David Middleton, a world-renowned expert on the Gesneriaceae family, who helped verify the identity and taxonomic classification of this new species.
The type specimen of M. simia was collected on September 9, 2023, and its formal description was published in Volume 52 of the Thai Forest Bulletin journal.
Conservation Status
Since Microchirita simia has only been found in a single location that is not currently within a protected area, it has been classified as Vulnerable (VU D2) under the IUCN conservation assessment system.
This status indicates a high risk of extinction in the wild, particularly if the habitat faces sudden disturbances or environmental changes. Limestone ecosystems, where M. simia grows are especially sensitive and often face threats from development or mining activities.
Further surveys are needed to determine whether additional populations exist elsewhere, which could potentially reduce its risk level. However, for now, Microchirita simia remains an exclusive and fragile gem of Lopburi—one that urgently deserves our attention and protection.
