Taxonomy

Melaleuca sphaerodendra Craven & J.W.Dawson
endemique
UICN

Synonyms

Callistemon gnidioides var. gnidioides GuillauminCallistemon gnidioides var. microphyllus Virot

Red List Status -

Near Threatened (NT) , assessed in 17/11/2017

Melaleuca sphaerodendra is an endemic shrub from New Caledonia, where it has a scattered distribution in the northwest, center and south of Grande Terre. It is locally represented by two infraspecific varieties, that have not been assessed. It grows in forest and shrubland on ultramafic substrate between 400 and 900 m asl. Known from more than 10 locations, its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are estimated to be 104 and 6,498 km², respectively. This species is threatened by recurrent bushfires and mining activities. Therefore, Melaleuca sphaerodendra is listed as Near Threatened (NT), close to Vulnerable under criteria B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v).

Geographical area


M. sphaerodendra is endemic to New Caledonia, where it has a scattered distribution in the northwest (from the Taom massif to Poum), center (mounts Boulinda and Paéoua) and south (from Dumbéa to Thio) of Grande Terre.

Population


Population size is unknown.

Habitat


M. sphaerodendra occurs in dense humid forest and shrubland on ultramafic substrate between 400 and 900 m asl.

Threats


The main threats to this species are recurrent bushfires and mining activities (Vulcain (SMGM), Ouazangou (NMC) and potentially Michel 38 and Poum).

Conservation


M. sphaerodendra is not protected by any legislation in New Caledonia, but it occurs in three protected areas: Haute Dumbéa, la Dumbéa, Mont Humboldt. It is proposed that monitoring should occur to ensure the persistence of the known population. To ensure the preservation of a viable population, it is recommended to inform the DSCGR (government department overseeing firefighting actions) on 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.

Bibliography


Dawson J.W. 1992. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 18 : Myrtacées Leptospermoïdées.

Craven L.A. & Dawson J.W. 1998. Callistemon of New Caledonia transferred to Melaleuca (Myrtaceae). Adansonia(20 (1)) , p.191-194.

Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.

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.


Geographical distribution