This rust was first recorded in New Zealand from a collection from Palmerston North in February 1944. Within the next five years it became widespread throughout the country. It does little damage to plants except to produce early defoliation. It was introduced into New Zealand with propagating material of the host [Rubus idaeus].

Type: Rust and Smut Fungi; Description: Spermagonia in groups surrounded by aecia, conical, yellow, minute (<0.1 mm in diameter); on the upper surfaces of leaves. Aecia in small circular groups, rounded, orange-yellow to pale yellow, up to 1 mm in diameter; on the upper surfaces of leaves. Aeciospores globoid, 20–24 × 16–20 μm, sparsely echinulate, pale yellow. Uredinia scattered, rounded, orange-yellow, up to 0.5 mm in diameter; on the lower surfaces of leaves. Urediniospores ellipsoid, 16–24 × 14–20 μm, sparsely echinulate, yellow. Telia scattered, rounded, black, 0.3-0.7 mm in diameter; on the lower surfaces of leaves. Teliospores oblong-cylindrical, 5–7-septate, 88–128 × 24–32 μm, tapering at the apex to a hyaline apiculus, coarsely verrucose, chestnut brown; pedicel persistent.

Distribution: Northland, Auckland, Bay of Plenty, Wanganui, Wellington, Hawkes Bay, Wairarapa, Nelson, Westland, Mid Canterbury, Dunedin.; 1st Record: Cunningham (1945).

Significance: Although infection by the rust leads to premature defoliation, little economic damage is caused.; Host(s): Rubus idaeus.