Peristylus minimiflorus is an autochthonous orchid of New Caledonia, only known from Ile des Pins as well as Brosse island and Yaté coastline on Grande Terre (main island). P. miniflorus is a species of humid forest on calcareous substrate at low elevation ranging 5 to 10 m asl. In Yaté, P. miniflorus has been found in coconuts plantation directly in the sand. Population size is unknown. P. miniflorus can be abundant by stations but still remains a rare species. Peristylus minimiflorus is considered Vulnerable (VU) using criteria D2 because of its small area of occupancy (AOO) being estimated to be 20 km² and knowing that coastline area could be quickly impacted by erosion that could drive the species to Critically Endangered in a short time.

Geographical area

P. minimiflorus is an autochthonous orchid, known only from Ile des Pins as well as Brosse island and Yaté coastline on Grande Terre (main island).

Population

Population size is unknown. P. miniflorus can be abundant by stations but still remains a rare species.

Habitat

P. miniflorus is a species of humid forest on calcareous substrate at low elevation (5-10 m). In Yaté, P. miniflorus has been found in coconut plantation directly in sand.

Threats

Bushfire on île des Pins as well as erosion of coastline may affect P. minimiflorus.

Conservation

P. miniflorus is protected by legislation in Province Sud and Province Nord, but does not occur in any protected area. Owing to its habitat and distribution, P. miniflorus should be prospected in Port Boisé and more precisely on the shore. Some field observations report that P. miniflorus could be present in Futuna, it would be interesting to prospect again this island to confirm this first observation.

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.

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

Hallé N.; Aubréville A.; Leroy J. F.; 1977. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 08 : Orchidaceae.

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.