Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Critically Endangered (CR) , assessed in 10/05/2016Protected species -
in Southern Province
Pycnandra viridiflora is an endemic tree up to 15m tall known only from a small area near Poya, central-western part of Grande Terre in New Caledonia. It is found in forest on various substrate (mosaic of calcareous phyllite, serpentine, greywacke and black schist) at an altitudinal range 120-150 m asl. Main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) (Rusa timorensis) and bushfires. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to be of 4 km² while the species is known from a single location. Pycnandra viridiflora is therefore assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v).
Geographical area
Pycnandra viridiflora is an endemic tree up to 15m tal known only from a small area near Poya, central-western Grande Terre. All collected specimens originate from the same tree that grows in a riverine forest on a mixed alluvium from these substrates. A second, small, and yet sterile (uncollected) population nearby, is known from a mesic forest growing on a soil that is probably richer in calcareous phyllite.
Population
This species is known from a single subpopulation restricted in a small area near Poya. One collection (Veillon 7151), gathered in 1989 on Mount Maa close to Nouméa, resembles P. viridiflora. However, forest destruction here is severe and the plant has not been relocated.
Habitat
Pycnandra viridiflora is found in forest on various substrate (mosaic of calcareous phyllite, serpentine, greywacke and black schist) at an altitudinal range 120-150 m asl.
Threats
Main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by rusa rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) (Rusa timorensis) and bushfires.
Conservation
Unprotected species, Pycnandra viridiflora does not occur in any protected area. Ex-situ and in-situ conservation efforts are urgently needed, in particular : ensuring the follow-up of the only known sub-population and preserving it on delimited perimeters.
Bibliography
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.
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.
Swenson U. and Muzinger J. 2009. Revision of Pycnandra subgenus Pycnandra (Sapotaceae), a genus endemic to New Caledonia. Australian Systematic Botany(22) , p.437-465.
Experts
Assessor(s): Cazé, H., Garnier, D., Goxe, J., Héquet, V., McCoy, S.
Reviewer(s): Gâteblé, G.
Contributor(s): Munzinger, J., Swenson, U.
Facilitator(s): Maura, J., Bernard-Musmann, M.