Xyris desquamata is a perrennial herb endemic from New Caledonia. It is restricted to the wetlands areas of the southern ultramafic massif (Massif du Grand Sud) of New Caledonia. It is present on ultramafic substrate at an altitude ranging from 100 to 540 m asl. It occurs in tufts scattered in open swampy vegetation with Cyperaceae and Juncaceae, open maquis, hydromorphic maquis, riparian maquis or river bank, amongst gymnosperms and stunted maquis vegetation with epacrids and Acacia. (Morel et al., 2021). The species is locally common. However it is threatened by uncontrolled bushfires and mining activities. Known from a eleven locations, its area of occupation (AOO) and extent of occurrence (EOO) are estimated at 52 and 158 km², respectively. Therefore, Xyris desquamata is listed as Near Threatened (NT) close to VU B1ab(i,ii,iii,v)+2ab (i,ii,iii,v), with an estimated decline of habitat quality and number of mature individuals.

Geographical area

Xyris desquamata is endemic to New Caledonia where it is restricted to the wetlands areas of the southern ultramafic massif (Massif du Grand Sud).

Population

The population size is not known. Field observations indicate that the species is locally common.

Habitat

Xyris desquamata is present on ultramafic substrate at an altitude ranging from 100 to 540 m asl. The species occurs in tufts scattered in open swampy vegetation with Cyperaceae and Juncaceae, open maquis, hydromorphic maquis, riparian maquis or river bank, amongst gymnosperms and stunted maquis vegetation with epacrids and Acacia. (Morel et al., 2021).

Threats

The main threats impacting this species come from habitat degradation caused by uncontrolled bushfires and mining activities.

Conservation

Xyris desquamata is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia but it does occur in three protected areas : Chutes de la Madeleine, Pic du Pin, Barrage de Yaté.

Bibliography

MOREL, JÉRÉMIE; MUNZINGER, JÉRÔME 2021. Novitates neocaledonicae. XIII. Taxonomy and nomenclature of the genus Xyris (Xyridaceae, Poales) in New Caledonia, with description of a new species.. Phytotaxa(502 (3)) , p.219-229.

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

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].

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.

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Cazé, H., Garnier, D., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Eltabet, N., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Gâteblé, G.

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