Basselinia sordida

Basselinia sordida
Preserved specimen of Basselinia sordida, consisting of long, flat, brown leaves, folded over several times
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Embryophytes
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Clade: Commelinids
Order: Arecales
Family: Arecaceae
Genus: Basselinia
Species:
B. sordida
Binomial name
Basselinia sordida

Basselinia sordida is a species of flowering plant in the family Arecaceae. It is a palm tree endemic to New Caledonia. The species was described in 1984, and is listed as of Least Concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

Taxonomy

The species was first described by Harold E. Moore. Moore's description was published in 1984.[2]

Distribution

Basselinia sordida is native to the wet tropical biome of north-west and west-central New Caledonia.[3] It is abundant in west central Grande Terre, where its extent of occurrence is around 5,233 square kilometres (2,020 sq mi).[1]

The species grows in dense, humid forests, in serpentine soil, at elevations of 1,000–1,500 metres (3,300–4,900 ft).[1]

Description

Basselinia sordida is a solitary palm tree, that grows in the subcanopy, or emerges above the canopy.[1]

Uses

Basselinia sordida seeds are sold in the interational horticultural trade.[1]

Conservation

In 2016, the IUCN assessed Basselinia sordida as of Least Concern. The species faces no major threats. Some subpopulations may be affected by seed predation from invasive rats, and habitat destruction by wild pigs.[1]

Basselinia sordida is legally protected in North Province and South Province. It grows in four protected areas: Forêt de Saille, Montagne des sources, La Dumbéa, and Haute Dumbéa.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Amice, R.; Canel, J.; Ugolini, D.; Butin, J.-P.; Fleurot, D.; Garnier, D.; Goxe, J.; Henry, B. (2017). "Basselinia sordida". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2017 e.T38444A115774270. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2017-3.RLTS.T38444A115774270.en. Retrieved 2026-06-19.
  2. ↑ "Basselinia sordida H.E.Moore". International Plant Names Index (IPNI). Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew; Harvard University Herbaria & Libraries; Australian National Botanic Gardens.
  3. ↑ "Basselinia sordida". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2026-06-19.