Alyxia spathulata is an endemic shrub or liana only known from Ile des Pins at the south of New Caledonia. This species is only known from two subpopulations (Pic N'Ga and Plateau Méréque). It is found in shrubland on serpentine substrate at an altitudinal range of 50-150 m asl. The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires, invasive plants (Pinus caribaea) and Rusa Deer (Rusa timorensis). Its extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) are both estimated to be of 16 km² while the number of locations is estimated to be two. Alyxia spathulata is therefore assessed as Endangered (EN) under criteria B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) with a continuing decline of habitat quality and number of mature individuals.

Geographical area

Alyxia spathulata is endemic to New Caledonia where it is only known from Ile des Pins.

Population

Population size is unknown, but field observations indicate that this species is common in Pic N'Ga.

Habitat

This species occurs in shrubland on serpentine substrate at an altitudinal range of 50-150 m asl.

Threats

The main identified threats are linked to habitat damage by uncontrolled bushfires, invasive plants (Pinus caribaea) and Rusa Deer (Rusa timorensis).

Conservation

Alyxia spathulata 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. It is recommended to inform the local authority responsible for the coordination of the firefighting effort about the presence of the species in the concerned areas. Finally, prospection at Plateau Méréque is urgently needed to better estimate the size and the state of the population.

Bibliography

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.

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.

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): Fourdrain, A., Warimavute, G.