Taxonomy
Dendrobium munificum
Synonyms
Inobulbon munificum (Finet) Kraenzl. • Dendrobium muricatum var. munificum FinetRed List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 26/10/2015Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern Province
Dendrobium munificum is one of the most beautiful endemic orchid of New Caledonia distributed on the whole Grande Terre (main island). D. munificum occurs in humid forest on volcano-sedimentary and ultramafic substrate and occasionally on forest edges. The high gathering pressure in the past, which is not completly over, let us estimate a 30 % decrease of population on three generations. Using criteria A, D. munificum qualifies as Vulnerable (VU) A2d.
Geographical area
D. munificum is one of the most beautiful endemic orchid of New Caledonia distributed on the whole Grande Terre (main island).
Population
Despite a quite high number of occurrences, D. munificum remains a rare species (2-3 bulb by station). The scarcity of D. munificum has been worsened by gathering. Generation length is estimated to be around 20 years.
Habitat
D. munificum occurs in humid forest on volcano-sedimentary and ultramafic substrate and occasionally on forest edges.
Threats
Main threats to D. munificum are gathering by orchidophile which was quite intensive in the past. With about 150 flowers/plant, D. munificum was a coveted orchid on local market. Gathering pressure seems to be decreasing. On the other hand, D. munificum is still threatened by bushfires for individuals located on forest edges. Rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) (Rusa timorensis) and rats constitute a supplementary threat as they can eat individuals located on the bottom part of trees.
Conservation
D. munificum is protected by legislation in Province Nord and Province Sud. D. munificum occurs in several protected areas : Parc des Grandes Fougères, réserve naturelle de la Vallée de la Thy, réserve de nature sauvage du Mont Panié, Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue, réserve naturelle de la Forêt Nord . In order to prevent gathering, there is an emergency to sensitize the population about the impact generated by gathering on a rare species as D. municificum. A training for the purpose of Province Nord and Province Sud rangers would be also desirable.
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.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Hallé N.; Aubréville A.; Leroy J. F.; 1977. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 8: Orchidaceae.
Experts
Assessor(s): Butin, J., Laudereau, C., Amice, R., Fleurot, D., Frayssinet, I., Garnier, D., Letocart, D., Letocart, I.
Reviewer(s): Tanguy, V.
Contributor(s): Faria, E.
Facilitator(s): Chanfreau, S.