Taxonomy
Synonyms
Oxera pulchella var. brevicalyx MoldenkeRed List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 08/09/2017
Oxera brevicalyx is a slender liana, endemic to New Caledonia, with a scattered distribution in the north-west of Grande Terre. It is found in scrubland from Poya to Koumac, on soils derived from ultramafic substrate up to 100 m asl. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are equal 44 and 233 km², respectively, and it is known to occur in four locations. Population size is unknown but recurrent fires, livestock and agricultural activities are significant threats, that might have caused some subpopulations to disappear: Taom, Muino (Poya) and Oue Ouenjaoui (Koumac). Therefore, O. brevicalyx is listed as Endangered (EN) under criteria B1ab(ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(ii,iii,iv,v).
Geographical area
Oxera brevicalyx is endemic to New Caledonia where it has a scattered distribution in the north-west of Grande Terre, from Poya to Koumac. Ongoing threats might have caused some subpopulations to disappear: Taom, Muino (Poya) and Oue Ouenjaoui (Koumac)
Population
Population size is unknown but field observations indicate a locally abundant species with good regeneration capacity.
Habitat
O.brevicalyx occurs in scrubland, from Poya to Koumac, on eroded soils or colluvial deposits derived from ultramafic rocks up to 100 m asl.
Threats
The main threats are recurrent fires, livestock and agricultural activities. Another identified threat is the construction of road access to the mine of Ouazangou (NMC).
Conservation
This species is not protected by any legislation and it doesn't occur in any protected areas, although dry forests derive some benefit from a conservation programme managed by Wilderness Conservation Agency. This species is cultivated at the IAC (Institut Agronomique de Nouvelle-Calédonie) nursery of Saint-Louis and also in an increasing number of garden plants in Nouméa. Therefore in situ emergency conservation actions (monitor known populations and to preserve a viable one in delimited sites, where invasive species are under control) should be needed to better protect this species. It is recommended to monitor known populations and preserve a viable one on a delimited site where invasive species are under control. It is also recommended to inform the local authority responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort about the presence of this species in the concerned areas. Moreover, it is suggested to promote its growing in nurseries and use in green space planning, as well as raising awareness on this species amongst local stakeholders. Finally, further prospection should be carried out in the Rivière Bleue Park.
Bibliography
Gâteblé, G. 2016. Flore ornementale de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Barrabé L, Karnadi-Abdelkader,G, Ounemoa,J,de Kok RPJ., Robert N, Gâteble,G. 2015. Recircumscription of Oxera (Lamiaceae: Ajugoideae) ta include Faradaya based on molecular and anatomical data. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society(179) , p.693-711.
Morat, P.; Jaffré, T.; Tronchet, F.; Munzinger, J.; Pillon, Y.; Veillon, J.-M. and Chalopin, M. 2012. Le référentiel taxonomique Florical et les caractéristiques de la flore vasculaire indigène de la Nouvelle-Calédonie [The taxonomic database « FLORICAL » and characteristics of the indigenous flora of New Caledonia]. Adansonia sér 3(34) , p.177-219.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Gâteblé, G. 2012. History, Biology, and Conservation of Pacific Endemics.1. The Royal Creeper, Oxera pulchella (Lamiaceae),a New Caledonian Ornamental Plant1. Pacific science(66(4)) , p.413-433.
Mabberley DJ, de Kok RPJ. 2004. Labiatae. In: Morat P,ed. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendance.
Experts
Assessor(s): Gâteblé, G., Barrabé, L., Fleurot, D., Amice, R., Cazé, H., Bruy, D., Héquet, V., Vandrot, H., Butin, J., Mandaoué, L., Haverkamp, C., Dumontet, V., Laudereau, C.
Reviewer(s): Meyer, S.
Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Warimavute, G.