Psychotria spachiana is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, known from Bourail to Dothio. It is known from five sub-populations : Dothio, Ouaménie, Dogny, Col d'Amieu, Nessadiou. It occurs in dense humid forest or shrubland on ultramafic and volcano-sedimentary substrate at an altitudinal range 0-300 m asl. The main threats impacting this species come from habitat degradation caused by invasive species (Rusa timorensis) and bushfires. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being respectively estimated to 44 and 1,019 km², while the number of locations are estimated to be five. Psychotria spachiana is therefore assessed as Endangered (EN) with criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v) with a continuing decline of all concerned sub-criteria.

Geographical area

Psychotria spachiana is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia, known from Bourail to Dothio.

Population

It is known from five sub-populations : Dothio, Ouaménie, Dogny, Col d'Amieu, Nessadiou.

Habitat

Psychotria spachiana occurs in dense humid forest or shrubland on ultramafic and volcano-sedimentary substrate at an altitudinal range 0-300 m asl.

Threats

The main threats impacting this species come from habitat degradation caused by invasive species (Rusa timorensis) and bushfires.

Conservation

Psychotria spachiana is unprotected by legislation and it does not occur in any protected area. It is recommended to inform the DSCGR (emergency services) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. It is recommended to inform the Conservatoire d'espaces naturels de Nouvelle-Calédonie (New Caledonia natural spaces conservatory), which coordinates the New Caledonian Invasive Species Programme, on the situation of the species in the concerned areas for population control purposes.

Bibliography

Barrabé L. 2013. Systématique et Evolution du genre Psychotria (Rubiaceæ) en 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.

Barrabé L, Maggia L, Pillon Y, Rigault F, Mouly A, Davis AP, Buerki S 2014. New Caledonian lineages of Psychotria (Rubiaceae) reveal different evolutionary histories and the largest documented plant radiation for the archipelago. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution(71) , p.15-35.

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

Experts

Assessor(s): Barrabé, L., Amice, R., Bruy, D., Cazé, H., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Gâteblé, G., Hequet, V., Maura, J., McCoy, S., Suprin, B., Vandrot, H., Veillon, J.

Reviewer(s): Tanguy, V., Lannuzel, G.

Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Tanguy, V., Maura, J., Ramon, L.