Pyrophyllon subtumens

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

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

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