Acianthus macroglossus is a geophytic orchid, (7-) 12-24 cm tall, endemic of New Caledonia. It is distributed in the southern part of Grande Terre with an observation at Tango plateau. A. macroglossus occurs in dense humid forest at an altitudinal range of 150-700 m asl. 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) are estimated to be 44 and 1,763 km², respectively, and it is known from a small number of locations. Therefore Acianthus macroglossus is considered Near Threatened (NT) close to VU B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii) with an estimated decline of quality of habitat quality.

Geographical area

Acianthus macroglossus is endemic to New Caledonia and it is distributed in the southern part of Grande Terre with an extension to the north at the Tango plateau.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Acianthus macroglossus is an geophytic orchid, (7-) 12-24 cm tall. It occurs in dense humid forest at an altitudinal range of 150 and 700 m asl.

Threats

Acianthus macroglossus does not seem directly threatened. However it grows near the areas that are impacted by invasive species (Feral pigs, Sus scrofa and Rusa deer, Rusa deer) which contribute to the decline of the habitat quality.

Conservation

Acianthus macroglossus is protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does occur in two protected areas: la Dumbéa, Vallée de la Thy.

Bibliography

Jones, D.L., Clements, M.A., Sharma, I.K., Mackenzie, A.M. & Molloy, B.P.J. 2002. Nomenclatural notes arising from studies into the tribe Diurideae (Orchidaceae). The Orchadian(13) , p.437-468.

Kores, P. 1995. A systematic study of the genus « Acianthus » (Orchidaceae : Diurideae) . Allertonia(7(3)) , p.87-220.

Hallé N.; Aubréville A.; Leroy J. F.; 1977. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 08 : Orchidaceae.

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].

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.