Taxonomy
Synonyms
Phyllanthus platycalyx Müll.Arg.Red List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 20/08/2020Description
Phyllanthus platycalyx is a shrub of 0.5-2 m high, endemic of New Caledonia and restricted to the north east of Grande Terre, from Tchamba to Kantalupaik. This observation was also seen at Ouégoa (forests between Tchiaor and Pouébo) but it has not been seen since the collect of Balansa at 1871. This species occurs in maquis and in undergrowth forests on ultramafic substrates up to 500 m asl. The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are respectively estimated to be of 229 km² and 44 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be 7. Using criterion B and with the estimation of a continuous decline of its habitat quality and number of mature individuals, Phyllanthus platycalyx is assessed as Vulnerable (VU) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v).
Geographical area
Phyllanthus platycalyx is endemic of New Caledonia where it is restricted to the north west of Grande Terre, from Tchamba to Kantalupaik. This observation was also seen at Ouégoa (forests between Tchiaor and Pouébo) but it has not been seen since the collect of Balansa at 1871.
Population
Population size in unknown.
Habitat
Phyllanthus platycalyx occurs in maquis and in undergrowth forests on ultramafic substrates up to 500 m asl.
Threats
The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires.
Conservation
Phyllanthus genus is protected by legislation in Province Nord. None of the subpopulations occur within a protected area. This species would benefit from in situ and ex situ conservation actions. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services), responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. It is moreover suggested to realise field surveys at forest between Tchiaor and Pouébo region to better estimate its distribution range and population size.
Bibliography
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.
McPherson, G.; Schmid, M. 1991. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 17 : Euphorbiaceae II Phyllanthaceae.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Barrière, R., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Gâteblé, G., Héquet, V., Laudereau, C., Vandrot, H., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Lannuzel, G.
Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.