Taxonomy
Synonyms
Carpolepis laurifolia var. demonstrans ( Tison) J.W.Dawson • Metrosideros demonstrans TisonRed List Status -
Least Concern (LC) , assessed in 26/10/2018Protected species -
in Northern Province
Metrosideros laurifolia is an endemic shrub or tree from New Caledonia, where it is widely distributed across Grande Terre. It occurs in dense humid forest or shrubland on ultramafic or volcano-sedimentary substrate from 150 to 1,600 m asl. Some subpopulations may be impacted by bushfires or mining activities, but globally this species does not seem to be threatened. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated at 10,180 and 336 km², respectively. Therefore, M. laurifolia is listed as Least Concern (LC).
Geographical area
This species is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is widely distributed across Grande Terre, from Plaine des Lacs to Mt. Mandjélia.
Population
Population size is unknown.
Habitat
This shrub or small tree grows in dense humid forest or shrubland on volcano-sedimentary or ultramafic substrate from 150 to 1,600 m asl.
Threats
Although some subpopulations may be impacted by bushfires or mining activities (Goro (Vale), Camp des Sapins and Tiébaghi (SLN), Koniambo (KNS)), this species is very common and does not appear to be threatened.
Conservation
M. laurifolia is protected by legislation in Province Nord and occurs in numerous protected areas: Mt. Panié, Aoupinié, Forêt de Saille, pic Ningua, Mt. Do, Mt. Humboldt, Massif du Kouakoué, Mt. Mou, Vallée de la Thy, Montagne des Sources and Pic du Grand Kaori natural reserves, as well as the Grandes Fougères, Rivière Bleue and Côte Oubliée provincial parks.
Bibliography
Dawson J.W. 1992. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 18 : Myrtacées Leptospermoïdées.
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.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Gâteblé, G., Goxe, J., Henry, B., Héquet, V., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Mandaoué, L., Pillon, Y., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Vandrot, H.
Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.