Floristic relationships of New Caledonian rainforest phanerogams.

Abstract

Some 1499 species in 365 genera and 108 families are listed. Distribution of the species within New Caledonia is given in terms of specificity to rainforest and to substrate. Distribution of genera is presented according to occurrences in 12 phytogeographic units from endemic to pantropical. The level of specific endemism in approx 75%. Floristic affinities are Australia 27%, New Guinea 20%, Malesia 12%, Fiji 10%, New Hebrides 7.5%, Solomons 7% and New Zealand 3%. Continental isolation since the Permian, proximity of NE Australia and New Guinea until the lower Cretaceous, and early Tertiary formation of widespread peridotites are major factors in the development of this flora.-from Authors