This taxon is known from only three basidiomes collected at two sites under
endemic trees in montane native forests on the island of Hawai`i.  We suspect that
the Hawaiian taxon is unique, but until further specimens are collected, we have
tentatively determined the material as Hygrocybe minutula  with which it shares
the most similarities.  The deep red, viscid pileus and stipe, small stature, relatively
large and non-constricted basidiospores and short basidia are characteristic.