Lagenophora sublyrata is native herb of New Caledonia. It is widely distributed in the mainland Grande Terre, from Mont Koghis (southern limit) to Koumac as the northernmost locality, with only one old specimen on the outer island of Île des Pins. It is the most widespread species in the genus ranging from India and Sri Lanka to south-east Asia (e.g. Vietnam), China, Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia (e.g. Java), New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand (Lannuzel et al., 2021). This species is probably not well enough collected in New Caledonia and it may have a wider range of distribution than the actual distribution. Indeed, it is often neglected by collectors, it is may be considered as an inconspicuous herb and as an “exotic” or weedy species (Lannuzel et al., 2021). It occurs in humid forests and open scrublands (maquis minier) between 50 m to 1, 200 m asl. It mainly grows on non ultramafic substate except at Mont Mou (Compton 574) which was recorded on ultramafic outcrop. The population size is not known. However field observations indicate a species locally abundant. Some subpopulations, mainly at low to medium altitudes, may be threatened by Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis), by grazing and by trampling, as well as bushfires for open maquis subpoulations. But these thrests do not contribute to the decline of the population. Therefore, with an Extent of Occurrence (EOO) ranges between 10,076 km² and 70,000 km² and an Area of ocupancy (AOO) between 100 km² and 10,000 km², L. sublyrata does not meet the requirements for a threatened species and is assessed as Least Concern (LC).

Geographical area

Lagenophora sublyrata is native to New Caledonia where it is the most widespread species in the genus ranging from India and Sri Lanka to south-east Asia (e.g. Vietnam), China, Taiwan, Japan, Indonesia (e.g. Java), New Guinea, Australia and New Zealand (Lannuzel et al., 2021). This species is probably not well enough collected in New Caledonia and it may have a wider range of distribution than the actual distribution. Indeed, it is often neglected by collectors, it is may be considered as an inconspicuous herb and as an “exotic” or weedy species (Lannuzel et al., 2021)

Population

The population size is not known. However field observations indicate a species locally abundant.

Habitat

Lagenophora sublyrata occurs in humid forests and open scrublands (maquis minier) between 50 m to 1, 200 m asl. It mainly grows on non ultramafic substate except at Mont Mou (Compton 574) which was recorded on ultramafic outcrop.

Threats

Some subpopulations, mainly at low to medium altitudes, may be threatened by Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis), by grazing and by trampling, as well as bushfires for open maquis subpoulations. But these threats do not contribute to the decline of the population.

Conservation

Lagenophora sublyrata is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does occur in two protected areas : Vallée de la Thy, Mont Mou. It is moreover suggested to promote its growing in nurseries, to integrate it in future green space planning and to raise awareness on this species amongst local stakeholders.

Bibliography

Lannuzel G, Gâteblé G, Bean AR, Wang J. 2021. Lagenophora (Asteraceae, Astereae) in New Caledonia.. PhytoKeys(177) , p.125-138.

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.

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.

Nesom GL 2001. Taxonomic notes on Keysseria and Pytinicarpa (Asteraceae: Asterae, Lageniferinae).. SIDA, contributions to botany(19) , p.513-518.

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Cazé, H., Fleurot, D., Garnier, D., Héquet, V., Lagrange, A., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., McCoy, S., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Pillon, Y.

Facilitator(s): Fourdrain, A., Warimavute, G.