Taxonomy
Rhodomyrtus locellata
Synonyms
Psidiomyrtus locellata GuillauminRed List Status -
Near Threatened (NT) , assessed in 17/11/2017
Rhodomyrtus locellata is an endemic shrub from New Caledonia, where it has a scattered distribution in the north west and the south of Grande Terre. It grows in dense humide forest and shrubland on ultramafic substrate from 150 to 1,000 m asl. Known from a dozen locations, its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are estimated at 100 and 3,198 km², respectively. This species is locally abundant and does not seem directly threatened although some subpopulations may be impacted by recurrent bushfires or myrtle rust. Rhodomyrtus locellata is therefore listed as Near Threatened (NT) close to VU B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii).
Geographical area
R. locellata is endemic to New Caledonia, where it has a discontinuous distribution in the northwest (Boulinda and Paéoua massifs) and the south of Grande Terre (from Rivière Bleue to mount Ouin).
Population
Population size is unknown, but field observations indicate that the species is quite common and locally abundant.
Habitat
R. locellata occurs in dense humide forest and shrubland on ultramafic substrate from 150 to 1,000 m asl.
Threats
This abundant species does not seem to be threatened at the moment, although some subpopulations may be impacted by uncontrolled bushfires and myrtle rust (Vandrot, comm. pers.).
Conservation
R. locellata is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia but it occurs in four protected areas: Vallée de la Thy, Montagne des sources, la Dumbéa, Haute Dumbéa.
Bibliography
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Snow, N. 2009. Kanakomyrtus (Myrtaceae): A new endemic genus from New Caledonia with linear stigma lobes and baccate fruits. Systematic Botany(34) , p.330-344.
Snow N., McFadden J., Evans T.M., Salywon A.M., Wojciechowski M.F. & Wilson P.G. 2011. Morphological and molecular evidence of polyphyly in Rhodomyrtus (Myrtaceae: Myrteae). Systematic Botany(36(2)) , p.390-404.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Butin, J., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Goxe, J., Héquet, V., Lannuzel, G., Suprin, B., Veillon, J.
Reviewer(s): Vandrot, H.
Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V.