Callitris neocaledonica

Callitris neocaledonica is a plant belonging to the family of the cypress family ( Cupressaceae ). This endemic species is found only on the island of Grande Terre.

Description

Callitris neocaledonica grows as evergreen shrub or small tree with spherical to candelabra -shaped crown. The scaly bark of the short and twisted trunk is fibrous.

The young, needle-like leaves are arranged in decussate on the branches. The older leaves are short and stiff.

The male cones are terminal on the branches and are at a length of 2 to 3 mm and a thickness of 1.5 to 2 millimeters spherically shaped. The female cones are from 0.8 to 1 inches long and about 0.7 inches thick. The pyramid- shaped seeds are winged.

Distribution and location

The natural range of Callitris neocaledonica is located on the island belonging to New Caledonia Grande Terre. It includes the located in the southern province of the island Massif du Humboldt, Massif de Montagne des Sources and Kouakoué. The total circulation area covers about 257 km ² and is divided over ten populations.

Callitris neocaledonica thrives at altitudes 950-1350 m. It mainly grows in dense forests and maquis, which form on ultramafic soils.

System

The first description was in 1914 as Callitris neocaledonica by Richard Arnold Dumber in Journal of Botany, British and Foreign, Volume 52, page 239

Threats and conservation

Callitris neocaledonica is classified as "low risk" in the IUCN Red List. The total population is estimated at over 10,000 trees. Most of the stocks are located within protected areas. As Haupgtgefährdungsgrund forest fires are given.

Swell

• Christopher J. Earle: Callitris neocaledonica. In: The Gymnosperm Database. www.conifers.org, November 25, 2012, accessed on February 9, 2013 ( English).
• Callitris neocaledonica. In: Faune et Flore de Nouvelle- Caledonia. www.endemia.nc, accessed on 9 February 2013 ( French).