In 2024, researchers at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, recorded 172 new species of plants and fungi across the globe, from England to Cameroon. Scientists highlighted 10 particularly remarkable species described this year. Plectocomiopsis hantu, a climbing palm in Borneo called wi mukoup or wee mukup by locals, who use the plant for weaving. Scientists call it the “ghost palm” owing to the stark white undersides of its leaves.