14 Rarest Plants on Earth: Nature’s Most Elusive Flora
- The Economic Botanist
- May 26
- 10 min read
Updated: 14 hours ago
“Nature hides its best secrets in the most unexpected places. You just have to be curious enough to find them.” – The Economic Botanist
Have you ever stumbled across a plant so strange, so downright unreal, that you had to double-check it wasn’t something out of a sci-fi movie? Trust me — Earth is full of green oddities that most people will never even hear about, let alone see in person.
From flowers that bloom once every decade to trees that exist as a single living specimen, the plant world is full of fascinating rarities. These rare plants aren’t just pretty (or weird!) — many are living reminders of how fragile our natural world really is.
Today, we’re diving into 14 of the rarest plants on Earth — the ones tucked away in remote rainforests, teetering on the edge of extinction, or hiding in plain sight with stories that deserve to be told.
1. Why Are Some Plants So Rare?
You might be wondering — what makes a plant rare in the first place? It’s not always about how many people know about it or how pretty it looks.
A plant can be rare for a bunch of reasons, like:
Habitat Loss: Deforestation, farming, and construction destroy native environments.
Climate Change: Shifting temperatures and rainfall patterns disrupt growth cycles.
Overharvesting: Some plants are collected too much for their beauty or medicinal value.
Poor Reproduction: Some species rely on very specific pollinators that have also declined.
Extreme Isolation: Some plants only grow in one teeny-tiny spot-on Earth.
Basically, if something throws off the plant’s groove — it could be in trouble.
2. How We Chose These 14 Rarest Plants
We didn’t just pick the prettiest flowers or the ones with weird names. This list is based on a few key things:
Conservation status (from sources like the IUCN Red List)
Number of individuals left (some are literally one-of-a-kind)
Geographic range (many are native to one tiny area)
Ecological or botanical interest (they’re just cool or important)
Now, let's get into it — here are 14 of the rarest plants on Earth and the wild stories that go with them.
3. The 14 Rarest Plants on Earth
1. Middlemist’s Red (Camellia japonica var.)
The Middlemist’s Red is often hailed as the rarest flower in the world. This strikingly beautiful camellia was first introduced to the Western world in 1804 by a British botanist named John Middlemist. He brought it from China to England, and it was later cultivated in New Zealand.
Today, only two known specimens exist: one in the Christchurch Botanic Gardens in New Zealand and the other in the Chiswick House Gardens in London. Its rarity is attributed to its limited propagation and the challenges in cultivating camellias outside their native habitat. Where: New Zealand & the UK Why Rare: Only two known plants in existence Fun Fact: Despite the name, it’s actually pink |  |
2. Jellyfish Tree (Medusagyne oppositifolia)
Native to the Seychelles, the Jellyfish Tree is a botanical enigma. Its name derives from its unique, jellyfish-like flowers. Once thought extinct, it was rediscovered in 1970. Conservation efforts have been underway since, with scientists working to understand its reproductive mechanisms and to protect its remaining habitat. The tree's rarity is compounded by its limited distribution and the specific conditions it requires to thrive. Botanists are still scratching their heads over how to save it.
Where: Seychelles Why Rare: Can’t reproduce naturally anymore Fun Fact: Named for its fruit, which looks like jellyfish tentacles |  |
3. Corpse Flower (Amorphophallus titanum)
The Corpse Flower is infamous for its overpowering odor, reminiscent of rotting flesh. Native to the rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo, it blooms infrequently, with intervals ranging from 7 to 10 years. The bloom lasts only 24 to 48 hours, during which it attracts pollinators such as carrion beetles and flies. Despite its unpleasant smell, the flower draws large crowds when it blooms, with people eager to witness this rare event.
Where: Indonesia Why Rare: Long bloom cycle, habitat loss Fun Fact: Smells like rotting meat to attract pollinators |  |
4. Western Underground Orchid (Rhizanthella gardneri)
Found in the Avon Wheatbelt region of Western Australia, the Western Underground Orchid is a subterranean marvel. Unlike most orchids, it spends its entire life cycle underground, forming a symbiotic relationship with fungi. The orchid's flowers occasionally emerge above the soil surface, but the majority of its existence remains hidden. Its rarity is due to its specialized habitat requirements and the challenges in studying its underground life.
Where: Western Australia Why Rare: Grows underground and never sees the sun Fun Fact: Pollinated by fungus |  |
5. Rafflesia arnoldii
Known for producing the largest individual flower on Earth, Rafflesia arnoldii is a parasitic plant native to the rainforests of Sumatra and Borneo. The flower can reach up to 3 feet in diameter and emits a strong odor of decaying flesh to attract pollinators. Its rarity is attributed to its limited blooming period and the specific conditions required for its growth. With no stems, leaves, or roots, it’s basically the diva of the plant kingdom.
Where: Sumatra, Indonesia Why Rare: Only blooms briefly, parasitic lifestyle Fun Fact: Largest individual flower in the world |  |
6. Ghost Orchid (Dendrophylax lindenii)
The Ghost Orchid is an epiphytic orchid native to the subtropical swamps and forests of southern Florida, Cuba, and the Bahamas. It lacks leaves and relies on its roots for photosynthesis. The orchid blooms infrequently, with flowers that emit a sweet fragrance at night to attract pollinators such as the giant sphinx moth. Its elusive nature and specific habitat requirements contribute to its rarity.
Where: Florida & Cuba Why Rare: Hard to cultivate, specific habitat needs Fun Fact: Appears to float in midair; ghostly white and impossible to find unless you know where to look. |  |
7. Hawaiian Cabbage Tree (Brighamia insignis)
Endemic to the Hawaiian Islands, the Hawaiian Cabbage Tree is a rare and unique plant. It was once thought extinct in the wild but was rediscovered in the 1970s. The tree's rarity is due to its limited distribution and the challenges in propagating it outside its native habitat.
Where: Hawaii Why Rare: Extinct in the wild, hand-pollinated by scientists Fun Fact: Also called “Alula”, without its natural pollinator (believed to be an extinct moth), it's basically surviving on human support. |  |
8. Puyehue Golden Larch (Fitzroya cupressoides)
Native to the temperate rainforests of Chile and Argentina, the Puyehue Golden Larch is a rare coniferous tree. It is known for its longevity, with some specimens living over 3,000 years. The tree's rarity is attributed to its limited distribution and the specific climatic conditions it requires to thrive.
Where: Chile Why Rare: Logging and habitat fragmentation Fun Fact: Can live over 3,000 years |  |
9. Encephalartos woodii
Native to South Africa, Encephalartos woodii is a cycad species known for its striking appearance. All known specimens are male, and the species is believed to be extinct in the wild. Conservation efforts have been underway to propagate the plant through cloning and other methods. Its rarity is attributed to its limited distribution and the challenges in reproducing it sexually. Unless a female is found (or created), this plant is stuck in evolutionary limbo.
Where: South Africa Why Rare: All known specimens are male Fun Fact: It’s impossible for it to reproduce naturally |  |
10. Pennantia baylisiana
Endemic to New Zealand, Pennantia baylisiana is a rare and unique tree species. It was once thought extinct in the wild but was rediscovered in the 1940s. The tree's rarity is attributed to its limited distribution and the challenges in propagating it outside its native habitat.
Where: Manawatāwhi / Three Kings Islands, New Zealand Why Rare: Only one known wild individual Fun Fact: Called the “loneliest plant in the world" |  |
11. Bois Dentelle (Elaeocarpus bojeri)
If you ever visit the mist-shrouded highlands of Mauritius, you might—if you're incredibly lucky—catch a glimpse of the Bois Dentelle, which means “lacewood” in French. This name comes from its delicate, lacy white flowers that hang like tiny chandeliers.
What’s heartbreaking? There are only two known specimens left in the wild, both growing in the cloud forest near a village called Grand Bassin. Invasive species like guava and ravenala (traveler’s palm) have crowded out this plant, leaving it no room to thrive.
Scientists are racing against time to propagate it in botanical gardens and controlled environments. Conservationists call it a "living ghost" of Mauritius’ once-rich native flora.
Where: Mauritius Why Rare: Only two known specimens Fun Fact: Name means “lace wood” |  |
12. Franklin Tree (Franklinia alatamaha)
Here’s a strange little mystery: the Franklin Tree has been extinct in the wild since the early 1800s, and no one really knows why.
It was discovered by botanist John Bartram along the banks of the Altamaha River in Georgia, USA, in 1765. Bartram brought seeds back and cultivated them — and thank goodness he did. By 1803, the tree had vanished from its natural habitat, possibly due to disease, climate shifts, or habitat disruption.
Every Franklin Tree alive today is a descendant of those original cultivated plants. It has fragrant white flowers with a sunny center and fiery fall foliage. It’s like the phoenix of trees — surviving through human stewardship alone.
Where: U.S. (extinct in wild) Why Rare: Last seen in the wild in 1803 Fun Fact: Now only exists in cultivation |  |
13. Tahina Palm (Tahina spectabilis)
The Tahina Palm is a towering showstopper. Native to a remote region of northwestern Madagascar, it was only discovered in 2007 by a local farmer, which proves that even now, we’re still uncovering plant treasures.
Here’s the kicker: it flowers once in its lifetime—producing a massive, explosive bloom—and then it dies. Scientists call this “monocarpy.” The flowering can take decades, and it sends nutrients upward to the huge floral display, draining the palm’s energy entirely.
With fewer than 100 mature individuals known, it’s a sobering example of how little we sometimes know about Earth’s own biodiversity.
Where: Madagascar Why Rare: Flowers once, then dies Fun Fact: Can grow over 60 feet tall before it blooms |  |
14. Kadupul Flower (Epiphyllum oxypetalum)
ow here’s one for the romantics. The Kadupul Flower, native to Sri Lanka and parts of India, is often called the “Queen of the Night.”
Why? Because it blooms only once a year, only at night, and wilts by dawn. Imagine a delicate, star-shaped white flower glowing in moonlight... and then gone by morning. It’s so delicate, it’s almost impossible to harvest without damaging it, making it essentially priceless.
Some believe it brings spiritual blessings or good fortune. And honestly, just knowing it exists makes you feel like there’s still magic left in the world.
Where: Sri Lanka & India Why Rare: Blooms only at night, wilts by morning Fun Fact: Considered priceless because it can’t be picked |  |
4. Why We Should Care About Rare Plants
Now that you’ve met them — the floaters, the stinkers, the solo survivors — maybe you're wondering why it all matters. Why care so much about a tree no one’s seen in 200 years or a flower that smells like death?
Here’s the truth: rare plants matter just as much as the rest of us.
They support entire ecosystems — pollinators, insects, and animals rely on them.
They hold medical potential — many modern drugs started as plant extracts.
They protect biodiversity — every plant lost is a piece of our ecological puzzle gone.
They reflect the health of the planet — canaries in the coal mine, so to speak.
They are beautiful, strange, and worthy of awe — and isn’t that enough?
Rare plants are part of the Earth’s ancient memory. Losing them is like tearing out chapters of a story that hasn’t finished being told.
5. How You Can Help Protect Rare Plants
Okay, you might not be trekking through Madagascar or cloning orchids in a lab, but you can help. Here’s how:
Support botanical gardens and seed banks
These are frontline sanctuaries for rare flora. Institutions like Kew Gardens or the Millennium Seed Bank do incredible conservation work.
Buy responsibly
Avoid purchasing rare plants from sketchy sellers. Illegal plant trade is a big driver of extinction.
Plant native species
Even your balcony or backyard can support biodiversity. Native plants are great for local ecosystems.
Donate or volunteer
Groups like the IUCN, Plantlife, or the Center for Plant Conservation always need help.
Be curious and share what you learn
The more people know about rare plants, the more we can rally to protect them.
6. Conclusion
So there you have it — a tour of some of Earth’s rarest, strangest, and most beautiful green wonders. These plants aren’t just footnotes in biology textbooks. They’re part of the living story of this planet.
Each one has fought to exist in changing, sometimes hostile conditions. They’ve been discovered, lost, rediscovered, cloned, and occasionally saved.
They’ve adapted, persisted, and in some cases, clung to life by a single root.
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🌱 So, which rare plant surprised you the most?
Drop a comment below — I’d love to hear your favorite from the list. And hey, if you’re into wild nature stories, cool science, or want more deep dives into Earth’s weirdest wonders, make sure to subscribe to the blog or follow along on social.
Let’s keep curiosity blooming. 🌿
Science ReadingPredicting plant conservation priorities on a global scale: This study utilizes machine learning to predict the conservation status of over 150,000 plant species, highlighting regions and species most at risk. Access the paper here
Extinction risk and threats to plants and fungi: This article discusses the increasing threats to plant and fungal biodiversity, emphasizing the need for comprehensive extinction risk assessments and conservation strategies. Read the study here
High prices for rare species can drive large populations extinct: the anthropogenic Allee effect revisited: The paper explores how rising demand and prices for rare species can inadvertently lead to their extinction, even when populations appear stable. Explore the research here |
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