Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Least Concern (LC) , assessed in 21/07/2016
Cunonia purpurea is an endemic shrub/small tree of the southern part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. It is found in shrubland or forest along creek and rivers, on ultramafic substrate at low altitude. This species does not seem globally threatened. Cunonia purpurea is considered Least Concern (LC).
Geographical area
Cunonia purpurea is spread in the southern part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia, from Ile Ouen to Port-Bouquet.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
It is found in shrubland or forest along creek and rivers, on ultramafic substrate at low altitude (0-300 m asl).
Threats
This species does not seem globally threatened. Some subpopulations may be threatened by mining activities (mine N'Go) and bushfires.
Conservation
Unprotected by legislation, this species is found in numerous protected areas : Rivière bleue, Montagne des sources, Haute Yaté, Forêt cachée, Pic du Pin, Bois du Sud. This species should be studied for ecological restoration, especially for riverbanks reinforcement.
Bibliography
H. C. F. Hopkins, J. C. Bradford, B. Donovan, Y. Pillon, J. Munzinger, B. Fogliani 2015. Floral biology of the Cunoniaceae in New Caledonia and the role of insects, birds and geckos as potential pollinators.
Morat, P.; Jaffré, T.; Tronchet, F.; Munzinger, J.; Pillon, Y.; Veillon, J.-M. and Chalopin, M. 2012. The taxonomic database « FLORICAL » and characteristics of the indigenous flora of New Caledonia. Adansonia(334) , p.177-219.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Helen Fortune Hopkins, Yohan Pillon, Ruurd Hoogland 2015. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie : Cunoniaceae.
Experts
Assessor(s): Pillon, Y., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Fleurot, D., Gâteblé, G., Hequet, V., Letocart, D., Letocart, I., Tanguy, V., Tiavouane, J., Tron, F.
Reviewer(s): Fogliani, B.
Contributor(s): Fortune-Hopkins, H., Brinkert, M., Couhia, J.
Facilitator(s): Maura, J., Tanguy, V.