Rare and threatened new endemic Ixora (Rubiaceae) from New Caledonia

Abstract

International audienceIxora clarae and I. elisae (Rubiaceae) are two endemic species described from New Caledonia. Ixora clarae is easily recognised by its (1-)3-flowered inflorescences, made up by thick and large flowers embedded in a calyculus. It is known from a few specimens collected on the nearest mountains by Noume´a, and is considered as endangered (EN). Ixora elisae is remarkable for its very enlarged campanulate calyx-limb. The latter one, from the Isle of Pines and Lifou, known by only two herbarium collections, is probably on its way to disappear in nature. Consequently, it is proposed to be classified as critically endangered (CR) classification