Psychotria lycioides is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, known from Porokoue (Païta) in Grande Terre. An old herbarium specimen (1869) was collected at Ile Nou. It occurs in sclerophyll forest on volcano-sedimentary at an altitudinal range 0-100 m asl. The main threats impacting this species are urbanization with nearby planned developement projects and bushfires. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being both equal to 8 km², while the species is known to exist at only a single location. Psychotria lycioides is therefore assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) with criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v) with a continuing decline of all concerned sub-criteria.

Geographical area

Psychotria lycioides is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, known from Porokoue (Païta) in Grande Terre. An old herbarium specimen (1869) was collected at Ile Nou.

Population

It is known from a single population : Porokoue (Païta).

Habitat

Psychotria lycioides occurs in sclerophyll forest on volcano-sedimentary at an altitudinal range 0-100 m asl.

Threats

The main threats impacting this species are urbanization with nearby planned developement projects and bushfires.

Conservation

Psychotria lycioides is unprotected by legislation and it does not occur in any protected area. This species would benefit from ex-situ and in-situ emergency conservation actions. It is proposed to ensure the follow-up of known sub-populations, to preserve the only viable population on delimited perimeter. It is proposed to integrate this species in restoration projects. It is moreover advised to inform municipal council and the DSCGR (emergency services) on the situation of the species in the concerned area.

Bibliography

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.

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.

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

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