THE MYXOMYCETE BIOTA OF THE HAWAIIAN-ISLANDS

The wide range of diverse habitats in the Hawaiian Islands can be expected to harbour a rich and varied myxomycete biota. A preliminary survey has yielded 101 species. Important records are Licea clarkii, Badhamiopsis ainoae, Badhamia spinispora, Physarum ovisporum, P. polycephalum, P. rigidum, and Didymium saturnus. Geographical isolation does not seem to have greatly influenced the number or composition of species; restricted endemism appears to be an unknown phenomenon among myxomycetes. Corticolous species and species growing on succulent vascular plants are discussed. Large tree ferns, so common in certain regions of Hawaii, appear to provide a poor substratum for myxomycetes.