Taxonomy
Platylepis grandiflora
Synonyms
Moerenhoutia grandiflora (Schltr.) Schltr. • Goodyera grandiflora Schltr.Red List Status -
Endangered (EN) , assessed in 18/02/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province , in Northern Province
Platylepis grandiflora is an autochthonous orchid of New Caledonia and it occurs in Farino and Poindimié areas. P. grandiflora occurs in humid forest on schist at an altitudinal range 200-600 m asl. Due to the presence of wild pig and Rusa Deer (Rusa timorensis) on the two localities, a continuous decline of P. grandiflora habitat is estimated. Its area of occupancy and extent of occurrence are respectively equal to 24 and 640 km². Using criteria B, P. grandiflora is considered Endangered (EN) B1ab(iii)+B2ab(iii).
Geographical area
P. grandiflora is an autochthonous orchid of New Caledonia, occurs in Farino and Poindimié areas.
Population
Population size is unknown but based on informations from collectors, P. grandiflora has always been found in little populations of 4-5 individuals.
Habitat
P. grandiflora occurs in humid forest on schist at an altitudinal range 200-600 m asl.
Threats
Main threats to P. grandiflora are linked to habitat degradation caused by wild pig (Sus scrofa) and Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis), two of the most important invasive animal species in New-Caledonia.
Conservation
P. grandiflora is protected by legislation in Province Nord but does not occur in any protected area. Transplantation of P. grandiflora in protected site seems possible, but protecting specimens in their biotope remains a better solution (especially for Farino locality). Some field observations report occurrence of P. grandiflora in Tonghoué quarry. If occurrence is confirmed in Tonghoué, it will be necessary to transplant or fence those specimens.
Bibliography
Hallé N.; Aubréville A.; Leroy J. F.; 1977. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 08 : Orchidaceae.
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.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Experts
Assessor(s): Butin, J., Laudereau, C., Antheaume, C., Cazé, H., Garnier, D., Fleurot, D., Letocart, D., Letocart, I., McCoy, S.
Reviewer(s): Tanguy, V.
Facilitator(s): Chanfreau, S.