The native rust fungi of Hawaii

Abstract

F.L. Stevens (1925. Bernice P. Bishop Mus. Bull. No. 19) published the first comprehensive list of fungi in Hawaii, recognizing 7 species of endemic rusts and 10 species probably indigenous. Stevens considered this small number of rusts particularly noteworthy in comparison with the rust floras of other areas with which he was familiar. He ascribed the scarcity to the geographic isolation of the Hawaiian Islands from significant land masses. Currently, of the more than 74 rusts in Hawaii, 22 are considered native, of which 13 are endemic and 9 indigenous. The rust flora, like other groups of native organisms of Hawaii, provides interesting examples of biological colonization and adaptation to remote insular environments. Key words: endemic, Hawaii, indigenous, rusts.