Taxonomy
Purpureostemon ciliatus
Synonyms
Leptospermum ciliatum J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. • Melaleuca ciliata (J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.) L.f.
Fremya ciliata (J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.) Brongn. & Gris
• Berardia ciliata (J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.) Montrouz. ex Guillaumin
• Xanthostemon ciliatus (J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.) Nied.
• Metrosideros ciliata (J.R.Forst. & G.Forst.) Smith
Red List Status -
Least Concern (LC) , assessed in 17/11/2017
Purpureostemon ciliatus is a small endemic (upright or low) shrub from New Caledonia, where it is restricted to the north of Grande Terre, as well as the surrounding islets. This common and abundant species occurs in open and scrubby shrubland on ultramafic substrate up to 900 m asl. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are equal to 4,416 and 112 km², respectively. P. ciliatus is not considered to be threatened and is therefore listed as Least Concern (LC).
Geographical area
P. ciliatus is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is restricted to the north of Grande Terre, as well as the surrounding islets (Néba, Yandé, Baaba and Balabio).
Population
Population size is unknown, but field observations indicate that the species is quite common and abundant.
Habitat
P. ciliatus occurs in open and scrubby shrubland on ultramafic substrate up to 900 m asl.
Threats
This abundant species does not seem to be threatened at the moment, although some subpopulations may be impacted by mining activities (Tiébaghi and Poum (SLN)) and uncontrolled bushfires.
Conservation
P. ciliatus is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in any protected areas.
Bibliography
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Dawson J.W. 1992. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 18 : Myrtacées Leptospermoïdées.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Butin, J., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Goxe, J., Héquet, V., Lannuzel, G., Suprin, B., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Vandrot, H.
Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Warimavute, G.