Virotia azurea is a monocaulous shrub (growing up to 3 and 6 m high), endemic from New Caledonia and restricted to the north of Grande Terre. This species occurs in humid forest on ultramafic and volcano-sedimentary substrates at an altitudinal range of 20 and 600 m asl. It is threatened by invasive species (Rusa deer, Rusa timorensis and feral pigs, Sus scrofa) and bushfires for the lower subpopulations. Its area of occupancy (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) being respectively estimated to be 32 and 578 km² and its number of location estimated to be six. Therefore, Virotia azurea is considered Vulnerable VU B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v) with an estimated decline of the concerned subcriteria.

Geographical area

Virotia azurea is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted to the north of Grande Terre, from Aoupinié to Katalupai.

Population

Population size is unknown.

Habitat

Virotia azurea occurs in humid forest on ultramafic and volcano-sedimentary substrates at an altitude range of 20 and 600 m asl.

Threats

Virotia azurea is threatened by invasive species (Rusa deer, Rusa timorensis and feral pigs, Sus scrofa) which contribute to the decline of the habitat quality and bushfires for the lower subpopulations.

Conservation

Virotia azurea is protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in a protected area. It is recommended to conduct field surveys at Ignambi and Colnett and therefore gain a better idea of its distribution and inform the DSCGR (emergency services), responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort.

Bibliography

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

HOPKINS, H.C.F. & Y. PILLON 2020. Virotia azurea (Proteaceae: Macadamieae), a striking new species endemic to New Caledonia and notes on V. francii and V. leptophylla. Candollea(75) , p.89-98.

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].

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Butin, J., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Héquet, V., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Vandrot, H., Gâteblé, G.

Reviewer(s): Veillon, J.

Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Meyer, S., Pillon, Y.