Taxonomy
Virotia leptophylla
Common name :
Hêtre blanc, hêtre
Synonyms
Macadamia leptophylla (Guillaumin) Virot • Kermadecia leptophylla GuillauminRed List Status -
Least Concern (LC) , assessed in 24/10/2019
Virotia leptophylla is an endemic tree growing up to 25 m high, with a scattered distribution across Grande Terre. The species occurs in forests on ultramafic and volcano-sedimentary substrates. Its altitudinal range is from 23 to 1,041 m asl. Virotia leptophylla has an Extent of Occurrence (EOO) equal to 8,220 km² and a minimum Area of Occupancy (AOO) of 192 km², but it does not appear to be threatened.Therefore, Virotia leptophylla is assessed as Least Concern (LC).
Geographical area
Virotia leptophylla is endemic to New Caledonia and it has a scattered distribution across the Grande Terre.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
Virotia leptophylla occurs in forests on ultramafic and volcano-sedimentary substrates. Its altitudinal range is from 23 to 1,041 m asl.
Threats
This species does not seem to be threatened although some subpopulations may be threatened by bushfires and mining activity at Goro.
Conservation
Virotia leptophylla is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does occur in 4 protected areas: Parc des Grandes Fougères, Aoupinié, Montagne des sources, Vallée de la Thy.
Bibliography
Virot, R. 1968. Flore de la Nouvelle Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 02 : Protéacées.
Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Rouhan G., Bruy, D., Veillon J.-M., & M. Chalopin 2020. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia [continuously updated].
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Héquet, V., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Vandrot, H., Gâteblé, G.
Reviewer(s): Veillon, J.
Facilitator(s): Meyer, S., Pillon, Y., Warimavute, G.