Alyxia minimiflora is an endemic shrub or subshrub from New Caledonia. It is only known from Pic aux Chèvres in the south west of Grande Terre. It is found in forest edges, rupicolous and cliff vegetation on volcano-sedimentary and calcareous substrates at an altitude of 250-300 m asl. The species is rare and the population size is estimated to be fewer than 50 mature individuals (only 3 mature individuals were observed during a field trip). Its area of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are both estimated to be 4 km², while the species is known from a single location. The main identified threats are uncontrolled bushfires (very frequent in the area) and the impact of Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis) on the habitat quality. Using criteria B, Alyxia minimiflora is considered Critically Endangered (CR) B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v));C2a (i,ii);D with a continuing decline in habitat quality and number of mature trees and a number of individuals estimated to fewer than 50.

Geographical area

Alyxia minimiflora is endemic to New Caledonia, where it is only known from Pic aux Chèvres in the south west of Grande Terre.

Population

The species is rare and the population size is estimated to be fewer than 50 mature individuals (only 3 mature individuals were observed during a field trip).

Habitat

This species occurs in forest edges, rupicolous and cliff vegetation on volcano-sedimentary and calcareous substrates at an altitude of 250-300 m asl.

Threats

The main identified threats are uncontrolled bushfires (very frequent in the area) and the impact of Rusa deer (Rusa timorensis)on the habitat quality.

Conservation

Alyxia minimiflora is unprotected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does not occur in any protected areas. This species would benefit from ex situ and in situ emergency conservation actions. To ensure the persistence of the known population, it is proposed that monitoring should occur on the site, as well as information of the DSCGR (government department overseeing firefighting actions) on the presence of the species in the concerned areas. Finally, surveys and collections are recommended at Pic aux Chèvres to improve the knowledge on this poorly known species.

Bibliography

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.

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

Boiteau Pierre avec collaboration de Lucie Allorge 1982. Flore de la Nouvelle Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 10 : Apocynacées.

Lannuzel et al. 2024. Alyxia Banks ex R.Br. in New Caledonia: a clarification of several species complexes, nomenclatural notes, and a description of three new species. Phytotaxa(649 (1)) , p.1-43.

Experts

Assessor(s): Amice, R., Bruy, D., Cazé, H., Eltabet, N., Garnier, D., Fleurot, D., Lannuzel, G., Laudereau, C., Vandrot, H.

Reviewer(s): Meyer, S.

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