Taxonomy
Kanakomyrtus myrtopsidoides
Synonyms
Eugenia myrtopsidoides Guillaumin, nom. inval.Red List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 17/11/2017
Kanakomyrtus myrtopsidoides is an endemic shrub from New Caledonia, where it is restricted to the south of Grande Terre. It is found in dense humid forest and shrubland on ultramafic substrate, from 500 to 1,500 m asl. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are estimated at 28 km² and 462 km², respectively. The number of locations is estimated at 6. This species is threatened by recurrent bushfires and mining activities. Therefore, K. myrtopsidoides is listed as Vulnerable (VU) under criteria B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v).
Geographical area
K. myrtopsidoides is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is restricted to the south of Grande Terre (Mts. Humboldt and Kouakoué, Montagne des Sources and Goro).
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
K. myrtopsidoides occurs in dense humid forest and shrubland on ultramafic substrate, from 500 to 1500 m asl.
Threats
The main threats to this species are recurrent bushfires and mining activities (Goro (Vale)).
Conservation
K. myrtopsidoides is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia but it does occur in several protected areas: Rivière bleue, Haute Yaté, Montagne des sources, Mont Humboldt, Massif du Kouakoué. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (government department overseeing firefighting actions) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. Finally, as for the other species of this genus, prospection is needed to collect more biological material.
Bibliography
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Snow N., McFadden J., Evans T.M., Salywon A.M., Wojciechowski M.F. & Wilson P.G. 2011. Morphological and molecular evidence of polyphyly in Rhodomyrtus (Myrtaceae: Myrteae). Systematic Botany(36(2)) , p.390-404.
Snow, N. 2009. Kanakomyrtus (Myrtaceae): A new endemic genus from New Caledonia with linear stigma lobes and baccate fruits. Systematic Botany(34) , p.330-344.
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): Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V.