Endemic shrub of New Caledonia, the distribution area of Psychotria brachylaena is discontinuous and found from Poindimié (Povila to Ina) to Poya (Nétéa to Mine St Louis) on Grande Terre. This species is only known from five sub-populations (Povila, Poindimié (unclear locality), Ina, Nétéa, Mine St Louis). It occurs in forest and shrubland on ultramafic and volcano-sedimentary substrate at an altitudinal range 20-200 m asl. The main threat impacting this species is bushfires. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being respectively estimated to 20 and 216 km², while the number of locations are estimated to be five. Psychotria brachylaena is therefore assessed as Endangered (EN) with criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a decline of habitat quality and number of mature individuals.

Geographical area

Endemic shrub of New Caledonia, distribution area of Psychotria brachylaena is discontinuous and found from Poindimié (Povila to Ina) to Poya (Nétéa to Mine St Louis) on Grande Terre.

Population

It is known from five sub-populations : Povila, Poindimié (unclear locality), Ina, Nétéa, Mine St Louis.

Habitat

Psychotria brachylaena occurs in forest and shrubland on ultramafic and volcano-sedimentary substrate at an altitudinal range 20-200 m asl.

Threats

The main threat impacting this species is bushfires. Uncontrolled bushfires sweep across New Caledonia each year, especially during the dry season (an average of 20,000 ha of land is burnt each year, with dramatic peaks of 70,000 ha). Lowest parts of ultramafic areas are particularly exposed to such risk.

Conservation

Psychotria brachylaena is unprotected by legislation and it does not occur in any protected area. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas.

Bibliography

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

Barrabé L. 2013. Systématique et Evolution du genre Psychotria (Rubiaceæ) en Nouvelle-Calédonie.

Barrabé L, Maggia L, Pillon Y, Rigault F, Mouly A, Davis AP, Buerki S 2014. New Caledonian lineages of Psychotria (Rubiaceae) reveal different evolutionary histories and the largest documented plant radiation for the archipelago. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution(71) , p.15-35.

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.

Experts

Assessor(s): Barrabé, L., Amice, R., Bruy, D., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Gâteblé, G., Hequet, V., Maura, J., McCoy, S., Suprin, B., Vandrot, H., Veillon, J.

Reviewer(s): Tanguy, V., Lannuzel, G.

Facilitator(s): Maura, J., Ramon, L., Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V.