A recently described species from the coastal zones of a few islands in the Solomon Islands.
Description
Taxonomic Notes
This species has only recently been recognized (Mill and Whiting 2012). Prior to this, plants representing this taxon were recognized as Podocarpus spathoides de Laub. or as P. spathoides var. solomonensis Silba. Podocarpus spathoides is restricted to Peninsular Malaysia and possibly one or two other localities in western Malesia.
Distribution
Currently this species is only known from a few locations in the Solomon Islands (Choiseul, Guadalcanal, Santa Isabel) and Vanuatu (Erromango and Aneityum). These areas are poorly known botanically and it may be more widespread. No realistic estimates of the area of occupancy and extent of occurrence have been made due to insufficient information
Habitat and Ecology
The limited amount of information currently available for this species indicates that it occurs in lowland primary and secondary coastal rainforest, often with Gymnostoma sp., at altitudes ranging from sea level to 60 m. However, there are historic herbarium specimens from the interior of Guadalcanal that were collected at altitudes of up to 450 m.
Human Uses
No specific uses have been recorded for this species.
Conservation Status
Global Status
Near Threatened
Global Rationale
Podocarpus orarius has only recently been recognized and its distribution, population size and status are poorly known. In some localities, mining and logging are impacting its known habitat. At this stage, an assessment of Near Threatened is the most precautionary approach to take, it is probably close to meeting criterion B2ab(iii) for listing as threatened. A new assessment will be required when new information becomes available.
Conservation Actions
More information about this species' distribution and ecology is necessary before conservation strategies can be devised.
References and further reading
Mill, R.R. and Whiting, M. 2012. Podocarpus orarius (Podocarpaceae), a new species from the Solomon Islands and a taxonomic clarification of Podocarpus spathoides from Malaysia. Garden's Bulletin Singapore 64(1): 171-193
