While there are reports of relatively wide distribution of this rust, there are very few specimens in international herbaria and only one recent one (from Spain 2011). The fungus appears to be restricted to the Maidenhair Fern Adiantum capillus-veneris, which has a worldwide temperate distribution. The aecial stage is not known but suspected to occur on species of Abies. The scarcity of this rust could be explained by the necessity to re-infect annually from two hosts which are not commonly in close proximity.
The rust is probably vulnerable to climate change.

Preliminary assessment: LC

sparsely distributed in Europe, Northern Asia and Northern Africa.

very small populations, mainly in Europe.

Forest habitat in shady undergrowth. The rust probably needs Abies species for annual re-infection.

small populations; no other specific threats identified; however, sporing phenology points to a risk due to climate change

The management of this fungus is dependent on the local distribution of its host plants. Currently no aecial hosts are known. Once these have been identified (see research needs below), active host co-species management will be a promising approach.

The alternate state of this fungus is not yet known. Research should concentrate on identifying the alternate host(s), by classical co-cultivation experiments with viable spores in the areas where the rust is present.

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