Pleioluma balansana is an endemic shrub or tree of New Caledonia, where it has a wide, but scattered distribution across Grande Terre, as well as the Isle of Pines. It occurs in mesic or humid forest on ultramafic substrate up to 250 m asl. Some subpopulations may be impacted by habitat degradation by bushfires or mining activities, but globally this species is common and does not seem to be threatened. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated at 9,634 and 76 km², respectively, and the number of locations is estimated to be more than ten. Therefore, P. balansana is listed as Near Threatened (NT), close to Vulnerable under criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v).

Geographical area

P. balansana is endemic to New Caledonia, where it has a wide, but scattered distribution across Grande Terre, from Goro to Ponandou, as well as the Isle of Pines.

Population

Population size is unknown, but field observations indicate that this species is locally common.

Habitat

This shrub or tree grows in low elevation mesic or humid forest on ultramafic substrate (serpentinites) up to 250 m asl.

Threats

Although some subpopulations could be impacted by bushfires and mining activities (Goro, Poro, Kopéto), this species remains common and does not seem threatened to this day.

Conservation

P. balansana is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia, but it occurs in one protected area: Forêt Nord natural reserve.

Bibliography

Aubréville A. 1967. Flore de la Nouvelle Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 01 : Sapotacées.

Swenson U., Nylander J.A.A. & Munzinger J. 2018. Phylogeny, species delimitation and revision of Pleioluma (Sapotaceae) in New Caledonia, a frequently gynodioecious genus. Australian Systematic Botany(31) , p.120-165.

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].

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

Experts

Assessor(s): Barrault, J., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Gâteblé, G., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Munzinger, J., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Swenson, U.

Facilitator(s): Meyer, S., Tanguy, V., Warimavute, G.