Anthracophyllum pallidum was described in 1993 and is a rarely recorded shell-like species with pinkish gills growing on Olearia furfuracea. The genus has a largely tropical distribution. Other similar but common species have occasionally been misidentified as this species, specifically Campanella and Gymnopus

A rare shell-like species with very small populations on bushes of the northern coastal Olearia furfuracea

Preliminary Category: Endangered: Very small or restricted population D1

Shell-like species growing at eye-level on living trees attract attention and are regularly reported. This species is known from just 3 records in 3 locations and not seen since 1998 despite targeted surveying. It appears to be genuinely rare. We infer the presence 3 genotypes, x 10 to account for undetected colonies, x 5 to convert to an estimate of 150 mature individuals. Extent of Occurrence 6,500km2, Area of Occupancy 4 km2

The species appears to be specifically associated with dead and living attached branches of Olearia furfuracea which is a coastal shrub of the northern half of the North island of New Zealand.

Of the three known sites one has legal protection but occurs in an area subject to Kauri die-back, with potential changes to habitat, and a tourist destination close to the major centre of Auckland. Another site on the small and uninhabited Noises Island in the Hauraki Gulf would appear relatively secure, and the final site in the Gisborne Region occurs in a small patch of native bush surrounded by intensive farming.