Frullania truncatistyla

Frullania truncatistyla is a species of liverwort in the order Porellales. The species was first described by Matt von Konrat, Jörn Hentschel, Jochen Heinrichs and John E. Braggins in 2011, and is native to New Zealand.

Etymology

The epithet truncatistyla was chosen by researchers to describe the truncate stylus of the species, likely a unique feature of this liverwort within the Frullania genus.

Description

Frullania truncatistyla is a particularly small species of liverwort, growing up to a width of. The species forms patches of varying colours, from olive-green, copper-brown to black. The species is morphologically similar to Frullania knightbridgei and Frullania rostrata.

Distribution and habitat

Frullania truncatistyla is endemic to New Zealand, and has been found on the North Island, South Island and Stewart Island. The holotype of the species was found the bark of a rimu tree in a poorly drained mossy forest.