‘World's ugliest orchid’ among new species named in 2020

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Daily Current Affairs Article 22nd December 2020: Orchids are not often called ugly, but that is how the Royal Botanic Gardens in Kew, London, described a new species of the normally vibrant and delicate flower discovered in the forests of Madagascar.

Gastrodia agnicellus, a newly discovered orchid has been named “the ugliest orchid in the world.”

It feeds on fungi and has no leaves.

Although assessed as a threatened species, the plants have some protection because they are located in a national park.

Madagascar is an island country in the Indian Ocean, approximately 400 kilometres off the coast of East Africa. Madagascar is the world's second-largest island country.