If one is interested in seeing a native Hawaiian agaric, this is the species you will
most likely encounter.  Basidiomata are produced throughout the year on moss-
covered bark of living O`hia trees and are found only in this habitat type.  Pholiota 
peleae  belongs in subgen. Flammuloides , sect. Spumosae  where it is closely allied
with P. pulchella  A. H. Smith and Hesler, P. totteni  (Murr.) A. H. Smith and Hesler,
and P. scamba  (Fr.: Fr.) Moser.  For a comparison with these species see Mycologia
88: 278-294, 1996.  The epithet "peleae" was chosen to honor Pele, the Hawaiian volcano
goddess.