Species

Pyropia rakiura

Etymology

rakiura: Named after the Maori name for Stewart Island. Rakiura is derived from raki 'sky' and ura 'glowing' or 'blush'. One explanation for the name is because of the beautiful sunsets seen from the Island. Another possible explanation is the name is derived from Te Ura-Te Raki-tamou 'the blush of Te Raki Tamou, in reference to a story of the shame of a Maori chief who went to the island to court a woman and subsequently found out she had a husband.

Authority

Pyropia rakiura (W.A.Nelson) W.A.Nelson

Family

Bangiaceae

Flora Category

Non Vascular - Native

Endemic Taxon

Yes

References and further reading

Reed, A. W. (2002). The Reed Dictionary of New Zealand Place Names. Reed PUblishing. Auckland.

This page last updated on 17 Jun 2013