Taxonomy
Synonyms
Oxera pulchella var. grandiflora Dubard • Oxera pulchella var. sinuata GuillauminRed List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 08/09/2017Protected species -
in Southern Province
Oxera grandiflora is a slender or robust liana endemic to New Caledonia restricted in the south-western part of Grande Terre. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are 40 km² and 190 km², respectively. It is known from five locations in coastal dry forest, on soils derived from volcano-sedimentary substrate up to 130 m asl. Population size is unknown, but most individuals are affected by fires, urbanization, squatters and rusa deer (Rusa timorensis). Some sub-populations have already disappeared (Ouen Toro and Tuband) or nearly so (Tina, Kaméré). Therefore, Oxera grandiflora is listed as Endangered (EN) under criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v).
Geographical area
Oxera grandiflora is endemic of New Caledonia restricted in the south-western part of Grande Terre : Grand Nouméa area and Leprédour islets.
Population
Population size is unknown. Field observations indicate small subpopulations.
Habitat
Oxera grandiflora occurs in coastal dry forests on soils derived from volcano-sedimentary substrate up to 130 m asl.
Threats
The main threats to this taxon are recurrent fires, urbanization (Kaméré, Tuband, Tina), squatter settlements (Tina, Montravel, Ducos) and Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) on the Leprédour islet.
Conservation
This taxon is not protected by any local legislation, and it does occur in one protected area: Parc Zoologique and Forestier. This species is cultivated at the IAC (Institut Agronomique de Nouvelle-Calédonie) nursery of Saint-Louis and also in an increasing number of garden plants in Nouméa. Therefore in situ emergency conservation actions (monitor known populations and to preserve a viable one in delimited sites, where invasive species are under control) should be needed to better protect this species. It is recommended to inform the local authority responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort about the presence of the species in the concerned areas. Moreover, it is suggested to promote its growing in nurseries and use in green space planning and to raise awareness on this species amongst local stakeholders.
Bibliography
Gâteblé, G. 2012. History, Biology, and Conservation of Pacific Endemics.1. The Royal Creeper, Oxera pulchella (Lamiaceae),a New Caledonian Ornamental Plant1. Pacific science(66(4)) , p.413-433.
Barrabé L, Karnadi-Abdelkader,G, Ounemoa,J,de Kok RPJ., Robert N, Gâteble,G. 2015. Recircumscription of Oxera (Lamiaceae: Ajugoideae) ta include Faradaya based on molecular and anatomical data. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society(179) , p.693-711.
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.
Gâteblé, G. 2016. Flore ornementale de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Mabberley DJ, de Kok RPJ. 2004. Labiatae. In: Morat P,ed. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendance.
Experts
Assessor(s): Gâteblé, G., Barrabé, L., Fleurot, D., Amice, R., Cazé, H., Bruy, D., Héquet, V., Vandrot, H., Butin, J., Mandaoué, L., Haverkamp, C., Dumontet, V., Laudereau, C.
Reviewer(s): Meyer, S.
Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V.