Taxonomy
Synonyms
Rapanea spissifolia M.SchmidRed List Status -
Data Deficient (DD) , assessed in 12/10/2015
Myrsine spissifolia is a narrow endemic shrub found in the northwestern part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. It is known only from two localities : massif du Boulinda and Paéoua. Currently, Myrsine spissifolia does not appear to be impacted by any specific threat, but could be significantly affected if minig activities were launched on Boulinda and Paéoua massifs. However, due to a lack of recent observations and taxonomic doubts, Myrsine spissifolia qualifies is considered Data Deficient (DD).
Geographical area
Myrsine spissifolia is a narrow endemic shrub found in the northwestern part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. It is known only from two localities : massif du Boulinda and Paéoua.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
Myrsine spissifolia occurs in mossy forest and humid forest at an altitudinal range 800-1250 m. asl.
Threats
Currently, Myrsine spissifolia does not appear to be impacted by any specific threat, but could be significantly affected of minig activities were launched on Boulinda and Paéoua massifs.
Conservation
Myrsine spissifolia is not protected by legisaltion in Province Nord. It does not occur in any protected area. It seems important to ensure monitoring of the two known populations regarding to a possible exploitation of Boulinda and Paéoua massifs might cause this species to become Critically Endangered. The genus Myrsine should be taxonomically clarified.
Bibliography
Wulff AS, Hollingsworth PM, Ahrends A, Jaffré T, Veillon J-M, L’Huillier L, et al. 2013. Conservation Priorities in a Biodiversity Hotspot: Analysis of Narrow Endemic Plant Species in New Caledonia.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
L'Huillier L.; Jaffré T. and Wulff A. 2010. Mines et Environnement en Nouvelle-Calédonie : les milieux sur substrats ultramafiques et leur restauration.
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.
Experts
Assessor(s): Tanguy, V., Veillon, J., Amice, R., Barrière, R., Chambrey, C., Fleurot, D., Lannuzel, G.
Reviewer(s): Vandrot, H.
Contributor(s): Wulff, A.
Facilitator(s): Chanfreau, S., Tanguy, V.