Parsonsia edulis is a liana growing up to 20 m long endemic of New Caledonia. It has a scattered distribution across the Grande Terre, from Mont Koghis at the southern part of the main land to Ponérihouen at the northern limit. It occurs in humid forests only on volcano- sedimentary substrate at an altitude range of 200-540 m asl. The main threats are uncontrolled bushfires and rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) that contribute to the decline of its habitat quality. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to be of 2,023 km² and 48 km² with an estimation of nine locations. Parsonsia edulis is therefore assessed as Vulnerable (VU) with criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a continuing decline of its habitat quality and number of mature individuals.

Geographical area

Parsonsia edulis is endemic to New Caledonia where it has a scattered distribution across the Grande Terre, from Mont Koghis at the southern part of the main land to the northern limit at Ponérihouen.

Population

The population size is not known.

Habitat

Parsonsia edulis occurs in humid forests only on volcano-sedimentary substrate at an altitude range of 200-540 m asl.

Threats

The main threats are uncontrolled bushfires and rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) that contribute to the decline of its habitat quality.

Conservation

Parsonsia edulis is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia. It does occurs in four protected areas : Vallée de la Thy, Aoupinié, Montagne des sources, Mont Mou.

Bibliography

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

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.

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].

Boiteau Pierre avec collaboration de Lucie Allorge 1982. Flore de la Nouvelle Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 10 : Apocynacées.

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Gâteblé, G., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., Vandrot, H., Pillon, Y.

Reviewer(s): Eltabet, N.

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