Campynemanthe viridiflora is an endemic herb of New Caledonia, growing up to 15 to 36 cm high, restricted to the south of Grande Terre. It occurs in humid forest and maquis on micaschist substrate at an altitude range of 850 and 1,600 m asl. This species does not seem threatened but some subpopulations may be impacted by invasive species (feral pigs, Sus scrofa and Rusa deer, Rusa timorensis), which contribute to the decline of the habitat quality. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being respectively estimated to be 52 and 543 km² and it is known from a small number of locations. Campynemanthe viridiflora is considered Near Threatened (NT) close to VU B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii) with an estimated decline of quality of habitat quality.

Geographical area

Campynemanthe viridiflora is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted to the south of Grande Terre.

Population

Population size is not known. Field observations at Koghis and Humbolt indicate a species locally abundant on restreinted surfaces. (person. comm. Pillon, Y.)

Habitat

Campynemanthe viridiflora occurs in humid forest and maquis on micaschist substrate at an altitude range of 850 and 1,600 m asl.

Threats

Campynemanthe viridiflora does not seem threatened but some subpopulations may be impacted by invasive species (feral pigs, Sus scrofa and Rusa deer, Rusa timorensis), which contribute to the decline of the habitat quality.

Conservation

Campynemanthe viridiflora is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does occur in sevreal protected areas: Massif du Kouakoué, Montagne des sources, Mont Humboldt, Vallée de la Thy, Mont Mou, Côte Oubliée, Haute Dumbéa, la Dumbéa. This species has a high phylogenetic importance as it is part of the family Campynemataceae which consists of two genera and four species of perennial herbaceous plants endemic to New Caledonia and Tasmania. This species should be more collected and observations compared to the identification keys. Prospections at Roches de la Ouaième is recommended. Genetic studies are suggested in order to facilitate species identification within this genus.

Bibliography

Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Rouhan G., Bruy, D., Veillon J.-M., & M. Chalopin 2020. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia [continuously updated].

Veillon J.-M.; Müller I.H.; Goldblatt P. 1990. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 16 : Dilléniacées, Goodéniacées, Iridacées, Campynématacées.

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

Experts

Assessor(s): Bruy, D., Butin, J., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Héquet, V., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Cazé, H.

Facilitator(s): Meyer, S., Warimavute, G.