Zombie fungi and 'bloodstained' orchids: Top plant and fungal species named new to science in 2025

Scientists from the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and their international partners, reveal today their pick of the top 10 plants and fungi named new to science in 2025. From "camouflaged" plants to spider-infecting parasites, the annual list underscores how much of the natural world has yet to be described and highlights RBG Kew's role as a conservation charity tackling the extinction crisis globally.