Metrosideros cacuminum is an endemic shrub or small tree from New Caledonia, growing up to 7 m high. It is restricted to the northern half of Grande Terre, from Mé Maoya to Mt. Mandjélia. This species occurs in dense humid forest or shrubland on ultramafic or volcano-sedimentary substrate from 690 to 1,600 m asl. Some subpopulations may be impacted by bushfires or invasive species (Pinus caribaea) but globally this species does not seem to be threatened. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated at 1,642 and 44 km², respectively, and it is known from a small number of locations. Therefore, M. cacuminum is listed as Near Threatened (NT), close to VU under criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v).

Geographical area

This species is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted to the northern part of Grande Terre, from Mé Maoya 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 690 to 1,600 m asl.

Threats

Although some subpopulations may be impacted by bushfires or invasive species (Pinus caribaea), this species does not appear to be threatened. Besides, like other high elevation species, this one could be impacted by climate change in the future.

Conservation

M. cacuminum is protected by legislation in Province Nord and occurs in one protected area: Mt. Panié natural reserve.

Bibliography

Dawson J.W. 1992. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 18 : Myrtacées Leptospermoïdées.

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): Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.