For July's look-back, the Co-Founders, Co-Editors and Writers of Macaranga.org, Wong Siew Lyn & Law Yao Hua, have plants on their minds. First up, it was recently reported that Australian miner Lynas Rare Earths Limited is considering a new site to build their permanent disposal facility for their radioactive waste, from the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant. The company is reportedly planning a smaller disposal facility just next to their current facilities in the Gebeng Industrial Park. Will this new plan meet the public’s concern for human and environmental safety? 

Next, a new plant has been discovered in Malaysia by Malaysian Dome Nikong, in the Hulu Nerus Forest Reserve in Terengganu. Named after the discoverer’s mother, we find out more about Fairy lantern Thismia sitimeriamiae, the latest addition to a group of around 90 species worldwide. We also discuss why this is an example of a good collaboration among international scientists, and the value of protecting natural forests.

Image source: Shutterstock, Dome Nikong Facebook