A new species of Goniothalamus (Annonaceae) from New Caledonia, representing a significant range extension for the genus

Abstract

A previously unknown Annonaceae species from the South Pacific island of New Caledonia is described as Goniothalamus dumontetii. This is the first Goniothalamus species reported from the island, and the easternmost record for the genus. It is easily distinguished from its congeners by the shape of the monocarp (flattened elongate with lateral triangular projections), which reflects the shape of the seeds (flattened rhombohedral). The conservation status of the species is evaluated as endangered (EN) using World Conservation Union (IUCN) red list categories, as it is known from only one relatively small population. The interpretation of geological and molecular data suggests that Goniothalamus dispersed to New Caledonia relatively recently, and does not represent a relict of the break-up of Gondwana. © 2007 The Linnean Society of London.