Pyrophyllon subtumens

Pyrophyllon subtumens
Cross-section of a Durvillaea antarctica frond, showing Pyrophyllon subtumens growing on the outer surface
Scientific classification
Clade:	Archaeplastida
Division:	Rhodophyta
Class:	Compsopogonophyceae
Order:	Erythropeltidales
Family:	Erythrotrichiaceae
Genus:	Pyrophyllon
Species:	P. subtumens
Binomial name
Pyrophyllon subtumens (J. Agardh ex R.M. Laing) W.A. Nelson 2003

Pyrophyllon subtumens is an obligate red algal epiphyte of Durvillaea southern bull-kelp, and is endemic to New Zealand.[1][2]

Taxonomy

The species belongs to a monotypic genus, which is sister to Childophyllon - a genus containing another red algal epiphyte of other seaweeds in New Zealand. The species was previously recognised as Porphyra subtumens before being reclassified.[2]

Description

The species can be found growing on all mainland New Zealand species of Durvillaea.

Images of Pyrophyllon subtumens

• 
  Growing D. antarctica at Allans Beach, Otago
• 
  Growing D. antarctica at Allans Beach, Otago
• 
  Growing D. poha at Akatore Beach, Otago
• 
  Growing D. willana (centre left plant) at Watsons Beach, Otago

References

1. Nelson, W.A.; Knight, G.A. (1996). "Life history in culture of the obligate epiphyte Porphyra subtumens (Bangiales, Rhodophyta) endemic to New Zealand". Phycological Research. 44 (1): 19–25. doi:10.1111/j.1440-1835.1996.tb00034.x. S2CID 85007306.
2. Nelson, W.A.; Broom, J.E.; Farr, T.J. (2003). "Pyrophyllon and Chlidophyllon (Erythropeltidales, Rhodophyta): two new genera for obligate epiphytic species previously placed in Porphyra, and a discussion of the orders Erythropeltidales and Bangiales". Phycologia. 42 (3): 308–315. doi:10.2216/i0031-8884-42-3-308.1. S2CID 83609962.