Corchorus neocaledonicus is a narrow endemic shrub found in the northwestern part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known from 3 sub-populations (Cap Tonnerre, Tinip/Cap Deverd/Ouazangou, Koniambo). It is found in shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 0-100 m asl. Low altitude shrubland on ultramafic substrate, in particular those in the northwestern part of Grande Terre, face several threats such as increasing urbanisation, water stress and uncontrolled bushfires. Koniambo sub-population is moreover threatened by on-going mining activites. Its extent of occurrence and area of occupancy are respectively estimated to be of 751 km² and 68 km² while the number of locations are estimated to be 3. Using criteria B and with the estimation of a continuous decline of its habitat quality, Corchorus neocaledonicus is assessed as Vulnerable B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii).

Geographical area

Corchorus neocaledonicus is a shrub endemic to the north-western part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. This species is known from 3 subpopulations (Cap Tonnerre, Tinip and , Koniambo).

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Myrsine poumensis is found in shrubland on ultramafic substrate at an altitudinal range 0-100 m asl.

Threats

Low altitude shrubland on ultramafic substrate, in particular those in the northwestern part of Grande Terre, face several threats such as increasing urbanisation, water stress and uncontrolled bushfires. Koniambo sub-population is moreover threatened by on-going mining activites.

Conservation

Corchorus neocaledonicus is protected by legislation in Province Nord, but does not occur in any protected area. Propagation is well-known. IAC (Institut Agronomique néo-Calédonien) issued a technical note on its culture. This species consists of two varieties but herbarium specimens need to be re-checked in order to be able to assess the extinction risks of varieties.

Bibliography

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.

Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.

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.

Experts

Assessor(s): Tanguy, V., Veillon, J., Amice, R., Barrière, R., Fleurot, D., Gailhbaud, P., Garnier, D., Suprin, B.

Reviewer(s): Vandrot, H.

Contributor(s): Wulff, A.

Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V., Chanfreau, S.