Taxonomy
Synonyms
Myrtus rufopunctata Pancher ex Brongn. & GrisRed List Status -
Least Concern (LC) , assessed in 02/05/2019
Myrtastrum rufo-punctatum is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, widely distributed in Grande Terre as well as in Ouen Island. This species occurs in maquis on ultramafic substrates up to more than 1,600 m asl. This species is common and does not seem to be threatened. Therefore, despite having an Extent of Occurrence (EOO) equal to 8,983 km² and an Area of Occupancy (AOO) of 448 km², Myrtastrum rufo-punctatum is assessed as Least Concern (LC).
Geographical area
Myrtastrum rufo-punctatum is an endemic species of New Caledonia widely distributed in Grande Terre as well as in Ouen island at the south of Grande Terre.
Population
Population size is unknown but field observations indicate a quite common species.
Habitat
Myrtastrum rufo-punctatum occurs in maquis on ultramafic substrate up to more than 1,600 asl.
Threats
This species does not seem globally threatened. However, some subpopulations may be impacted by bushfires and mining activities at Kopeto, Kouaoua, Koniambo Camp des sapins and Goro.
Conservation
Myrtastrum rufo-punctatum is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia but it does occur in several protected areas: Mont Mou, Mont Humboldt, Mont Do, Montagne des sources, Massif du Kouakoué, Vallée de la Thy, Chutes de la Madeleine, Forêt cachée, Forêt de Saille, Haute Yaté, Haute Dumbéa, la Dumbéa, Rivière bleue, Pic du Pin. Myrtastrum rufo-punctatum is a pioneer species commonly used in revegetation of mining sites.
Bibliography
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.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
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): Amice, R., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Garnier, D., McCoy, S., Veillon, J., Gâteblé, G., Fleurot, D., Laudereau, C., Suprin, B., Héquet, V., Bruy, D., Vandrot, H.
Reviewer(s): Lannuzel, G.
Facilitator(s): Meyer, S., Warimavute, G.