Taxonomy
Red List Status -
Vulnerable (VU) , assessed in 27/09/2022
Solanum semisucculentum is an endemic shrub from New Caledonia. It is restricted to the north west of the main land (Grande Terre), from Boulinda to Poum. This species occurs in maquis on ultramafic substrate between 100 and 1,200 m asl. The main threats are uncontrolled bushfires and ongoing mining activities (Tiébaghi). This species can also be impacted indirectly by mining activities (road construction and soil erosion) at the Kaala, Kopeto and Poum massifs. Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to be of 1,315 km² and 56 km², respectively, and the number of locations is estimated to be seven. Solanum semisucculentum is therefore assessed as Vulnerable (VU) with criteria B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v) with a continuing decline of all the concerned criteria.
Geographical area
Solanum semisucculentum is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted to the north west of the main land (Grande Terre), from Boulinda to Poum.
Population
The population size is not known.
Habitat
Solanum semisucculentum occurs in maquis on ultramafic substrate between 100 and 1,200 m asl.
Threats
This species can also be impacted indirectly by mining activities (road construction and soil erosion) at the Kaala, Kopeto and Poum massifs.
Conservation
Solanum semisucculentum is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in any protected areas. It is recommended to monitor known subpopulations as well as information of the DSCGR (government department overseeing firefighting actions) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas.
Bibliography
McClelland DHR, Nee M, Knapp S 2020. New names and status for Pacific spiny species of Solanum (Solanaceae, subgenus Leptostemonum Bitter; the Leptostemonum Clade).. PhytoKeys(145) , p.1-36.
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.
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): Amice, R., Barrière, R., Bruy, D., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Vandrot, H.
Reviewer(s): Meyer, S.
Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Fourdrain, A.