''Pyropia'' is a genus of
red algae
Red algae, or Rhodophyta (, ; ), make up one of the oldest groups of eukaryotic algae. The Rhodophyta comprises one of the largest Phylum, phyla of algae, containing over 7,000 recognized species within over 900 Genus, genera amidst ongoing taxon ...
in the family
Bangiaceae. It is found around the world in intertidal zones and shallow water. The genus has folding frond-like blades which are either red, brown or green. Some ''Pyropia'' species are used to create
nori
Nori is a dried edible seaweed used in Japanese cuisine, usually made from species of the red algae genus ''Pyropia'', including ''P. yezoensis'' and ''Pyropia tenera, P. tenera''. It has a strong and distinctive flavor, and is generally made in ...
, and are thus important subjects for aquaculture.
Taxonomy
''Pyropia'' was originally erected by
Jacob Georg Agardh
Jacob Georg Agardh (8 December 1813 in Lund, Sweden – 17 January 1901 in Lund, Sweden) was a Swedish botanist, phycologist, and taxonomist.
Early life and career
He was the son of Carl Adolph Agardh, and from 1854 until 1879 was professor of ...
, a botanist and professor at
Lund University
Lund University () is a Public university, public research university in Sweden and one of Northern Europe's oldest universities. The university is located in the city of Lund in the Swedish province of Scania. The university was officially foun ...
. Before this, and sometimes after, many species of ''Pyropia'' were placed in ''
Porphyra
''Porphyra'' is a genus of coldwater seaweeds that grow in cold, shallow seawater. More specifically, it belongs to red algae phylum of laver species (from which comes laverbread), comprising approximately 70 species.Brodie, J.A. and Irvine, L ...
'', a different genus of red alga. New species of ''Pyropia'' are still being discovered, for example in 2013 research done on New Zealand plants was able to move ''
Pyropia plicata'' from ''Porphyra''.
Description
''Pyropia'' species are red algae with a discoid
holdfast
Holdfast most often refers to:
*Holdfast (biology), a root-like structure that anchors aquatic sessile organisms to their substrate
*Holdfast (tool), a tool used to secure a workpiece to a workbench or anvil
Holdfast or hold fast may also refer t ...
and short stipe. They have folded blades, which are membranous and