Munzinger Jérôme, McPherson G., Lowry P.P. (2008). A second species in the endemic New Caledonian genus Gastrolepis (Stemonuraceae) and its implications for the conservation status of high-altitude maquis vegetation : coherent application of the IUCN Red List criteria is urgently needed in New Caledonia. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 157 (4), p. 775-783. ISSN 0024-4074.
Titre du document
A second species in the endemic New Caledonian genus Gastrolepis (Stemonuraceae) and its implications for the conservation status of high-altitude maquis vegetation : coherent application of the IUCN Red List criteria is urgently needed in New Caledonia
Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2008,
157 (4), p. 775-783 ISSN 0024-4074
A new species in the previously monotypic, endemic New Caledonian genus Gastrolepis (Stemonuraceae) is described. Gastrolepis alticola differs from G. austrocaledonica by its shorter and thicker petioles, strongly coriaceous leaves with revolute margins, shorter inflorescences, and pubescent corollas. The new species is further distinguished by its ecology, occurring only in high-altitude maquis on two massifs in southern New Caledonia, Mt. Kouakoue and the Montagne des Sources. Gastrolepis alticola is assigned a preliminary conservation status of 'Endangered' using the World Conservation Union (IUCN) Red List criteria. Comparison of the IUCN threat status for the 19 species endemic to this distinctive, restricted vegetation type reveals a striking lack of consistency and underscores the need for a reassessment of the entire New Caledonian flora.
