Conservationists at Killarney National Park have confirmed the discovery of a rare plant, which has not been spotted in over a century.
The Yellow Bird's Nest, or monotropa hypopitys, was last seen in the park in 1896.
It can survive in the shade as it does not need light to thrive.
Conservation Ranger at Killarney National Park, Mary Sheehan, said it took 100 years but the plant has reappeared and is "very, very special".
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, she said the rangers discovered the Yellow Bird's Nest during a regular survey of the park in the past few weeks.
"We all were very excited because we didn't realise this plant existed in Killarney National Park. We'd seen photographs before, so we sent this on to the Botanical Society of Britain and Ireland, Dr Rory Hodd, who's the county recorder for Co Kerry and he confirmed it."
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She explained that at this time of year there is very dense shade in the park and there are other similar species that look like it, "but this plant was definitely different to those".
Ms Sheehan said that the last recorded sighting of the plant in the park was in 1896 by artist Reginald William Scully "and thereafter unfortunately didn't record it ever again".
"He wrote a flora in 1916 and what he said was this plant seems to be very uncertain in its appearances," but he said at that time that "no doubt it will reappear. So, it took 128 years," she said.
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