Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Least Concern (LC) , assessed in 02/05/2019
Capparis spinosa subsp. cordifolia is a native shrub of New Caledonia. The only represented subspecies of Capparis spinosa is mostly distributed in Loyalty Islands (Maré, Lifou and Ouvéa), Walpole and also at Kuébini in the south est of Grande Terre. It grows in costal forests on calcareous slopes, up to 50 m asl. This species is common in Loyalty islands and does not seem to be threathened. Therefore, with an extent of occurrence (EOO) equal to 20,262 km² and an area of occupancy (AOO) of 123 km², Capparis spinosa subsp. Cordifolia is assessed as Least Concern (LC).
Geographical area
Capparis spinosa subsp. cordifolia is mostly distributed in Loyalty Islands (Ouvéa, Maré and Lifou) as well as Walpole island. This species is also seen at Kuébini in the south east of Grande Terre.
Population
Population size is unknown but field observations indicate a quite common species.
Habitat
Capparis spinosa subsp. cordifolia occurs in costal forests on calcareous slopes, up to 50 m asl.
Threats
This species does not seem globally threatened. However, some subpopulations may be impacted by bushfires, goats and and invasive plant species species (Pluchea, Tradescantia…).
Conservation
Capparis spinosa subsp. cordifolia is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in any protected area.
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.
Butaud, J.-F. 2014. Flore des îles Loyauté (Nouvelle-Calédonie) : plantes patrimoniales, plantes envahissantes et espaces naturels remarquables.
Experts
Assessor(s): Amice, R., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Garnier, D., McCoy, S., Veillon, J., Gâteblé, G., Fleurot, D., Laudereau, C., Suprin, B., Héquet, V., Bruy, D., Vandrot, H.
Reviewer(s): Lannuzel, G.
Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.