Taxonomy
Cyclophyllum fragrans
Synonyms
Rhopalobrachium fragrans Schltr. & K.KrauseRed List Status -
Least Concern (LC) , assessed in 20/11/2020
Cyclophyllum fragrans is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia and it has scattered distribution across the Grande Terre. It is known from Mandjélia to Roches Ouaïème and from Kouaoua to Yaté. It occurs in dense humid forest on ultramafic and volcano-sedimentary substrate at an altitudinal range of 150 and 950 m asl. This species is not globally threatened although some subpopulations can be potentially impacted by bushfires, Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and mining activities at Kouaoua. Despite having an Area of Occupancy (AOO) and an Extent of Occurrence (EOO) equal to 68 and 3,499 km² respectively, Cyclophyllum fragrans is therefore listed as Least Concern (LC).
Geographical area
Cyclophyllum fragrans is endemic to New Caledonia where it has scattered distribution across the Grande Terre, from Mandjélia to Roches Ouaïème and Kouaoua to Yaté.
Population
Population size is unknown. However, field observations indicate a species that is quite common at the eastern part of Grande Terre.
Habitat
Cyclophyllum fragrans occurs in dense humid forest on ultramafic and volcano-sedimentary substrate at an altitudinal range of 150 and 950 m asl.
Threats
This species is not globally threatened although some subpopulations can be potentially impacted by bushfires, Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) and mining activities at Kouaoua.
Conservation
Cyclophyllum fragrans is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does occur in one protected area: Mont Panié. The experts note a high variability in this group and it can also contain multiple taxa that may deserve species-level recognition. Taxonomic and genetic studies are needed to confirm or refuting these assumptions.
Bibliography
Munzinger J., Morat Ph., Jaffré T., Gâteblé G., Pillon Y., Rouhan G., Bruy, D., Veillon J.-M., & M. Chalopin 2020. FLORICAL: Checklist of the vascular indigenous flora of New Caledonia [continuously updated].
Mouly A. & Jeanson M. 2015. Specialization to ultramafic substrates and narrow endemism of Cyclophyllum (Rubiaceae) in New Caledonia: contribution of novel species to the understanding of these singular patterns. Acta Botanica Gallica(162) , p.173-189.
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
Experts
Assessor(s): Bruy, D., Butin, J., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Héquet, V., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Vandrot, H.
Reviewer(s): Cazé, H.
Contributor(s): Mouly, A.
Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.