Kew's annual discoveries include tiny orchids and a new snowdrop

Kew and its research partners reported 190 newly named plant and fungal taxa from work during 2025. That total included 175 species, alongside other taxonomic categories. Its January roundup introduced ten discoveries.

Examples included a snowdrop from the Balkans and six orchids described by Indonesian scientists working with Kew colleagues. One tiny orchid was named for its resemblance to caterpillars gathered on a tree trunk. A red flowering plant took its name from an animated-film character.

These organisms were newly described by science; they had not just appeared. Kew emphasised that documenting plants and fungi supports conservation, and some discoveries already face threats.

A closer look

Choose a familiar leaf or flower and describe its shape before looking up its name. What would another person need to recognise it? Noticing those details offers a small introduction to botanical observation.