Taxonomy
Cleidion verticillatum
Red List Status -
Least Concern (LC) , assessed in 20/11/2020
Cleidion verticillatum is an endemic shrub of New Caledonia is widely distributed in Grande Terre as well as in Bélep islands, Loyalty Islands and Ile des Pins. This species occurs in dense humid littoral forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate (including calcareous rocks) at an altitude range of 5 and 250 m asl. This species is common and it does not seem to be threatened. Therefore with an extent of occurrence (EOO) equal to 60,586 km² and an area of occupancy (AOO) of 80 km², C. verticillatum is assessed as Least Concern (LC).
Geographical area
Cleidion verticillatum is endemic to New Caledonia where it is widely distributed in Grande Terre as well as in Bélep islands, Loyalty Islands and Ile des Pins.
Population
Population size is unknown. Field observations indicate a species common.
Habitat
Cleidion verticillatum occurs in dense humid littoral forest on volcano-sedimentary substrate (including calcareous rocks) at an altitude range of 5 and 250 m asl.
Threats
Cleidion verticillatum does not seem to be threatened.
Conservation
Cleidion verticillatum is not protected by legislation in New Caledonia and it does occur in only one protected area: Parc zoologique et forestier Michel Corbasson. The experts note a taxonomic impediment. It could be composed of two distinct species.The experts note a taxonomic impediment. It could be composed of two distinct species : seems that the subppopulations of Loyalty Islands and Ile des Pins is different (the inflorescence are distinct) than the subpopulations of Grande Terre and Bélep islands. Taxonomic and genetic studies are needed to confirm or refuting these assumptions.
Bibliography
Endemia.nc 2016. Faune et Flore de Nouvelle-Calédonie.
McPherson G.D & Tirel C. 1987. Flore de la Nouvelle-Calédonie et dépendances. Volume 14 : Euphorbiaceae I.
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].
Experts
Assessor(s): Bruy, D., Butin, J., Dumontet, V., Fleurot, D., Héquet, V., Laudereau, C., Mandaoué, L., Vandrot, H.
Reviewer(s): Cazé, H.
Facilitator(s): Warimavute, G., Meyer, S.