Pycnandra longiflora is an endemic shrub that was only known from the original collections made in 1861-1867 in Gatope locality. However, a population was recently discovered near a mining site at Onajiele (Ouazangou-Taom massif) in the northern part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. It occurs on hypermagnesium brown soils in quite open shrubland at an altitudinal range 55-140 m asl. Its area of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are both 8 km², while the species is known from a single location. Main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by bushfires, which allows us to project a continuous decline in the quality of habitat and number of mature individuals. Using criteria B, Pycnandra longiflora qualifies Critically Endangered (CR) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v);C2a(ii).

Geographical area

Pycnandra longiflora was only known from the original collections made in 1861-1867 near Gatope. However, another population was recently discovered near a mining site at Onajiele (Ouazangou-Taom massif) in the northern part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia.

Population

It is known from two sub-populations. One hundred and seventy six individuals have been counted in this very limited area.

Habitat

Pycnandra longiflora occurs on hypermagnesium brown soils in quite open shrubland an altitudinal range 55-140 m asl.

Threats

Main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by bushfires that could easily impact both sub-populations by a single fire.

Conservation

Unprotected species by legislation, Pycnandra longiflora does not occur in a protected area. Ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts are urgently needed, in particular: ensuring the follow-up of the known sub-populations and preserving it on delimited perimeters. It is also recommended to inform emergency services, such as firefighters, about known sub-populations in the aim to incorporate them into strategic and operational forest and fire management planning.

Bibliography

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.

Swenson U. and Muzinger J. 2016. Five new species and a systematic synopsis of Pycnandra (Sapotaceae), the largest endemic genus in New Caledonia. Australian Systematic Botany(29) , p.1-40.

Swenson U. and Muzinger J. 2015. Revision of Pycnandra subgenus Leptostylis and description of subgenus Wagapensia (Sapotaceae), a genus endemic to New Caledonia. Australian Systematic Botany(28) , p.91-110.

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

Swenson U. and Muzinger J. 2016. Pycnandra longiflora (Sapotaceae) a species believed to be extinct, rediscovered in New Caledonia. Phytotaxa(278) , p.176-180.

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Vandrot, H., Veillon, J.

Reviewer(s): Gâteblé, G.

Contributor(s): Swenson, U., Munzinger, J.

Facilitator(s): Tanguy, V.