Retrophyllum minus

Retrophyllum minus, the bois bouchon, is a species of conifer in the family Podocarpaceae. It is endemic to New Caledonia.

Description

It is a sparsely branched small tree rarely exceeding in height with a flared trunk, reminiscent of Taxodium distichum and Nyssa aquatica, which tapers towards the top and has rough bark. It produces pear-shaped berry-like cones that are dark red when mature.

Habitat

The species occurs near rivers and lakes of the Plaine des Lakes in the south of Grande Terre. It is a rheophyte, the only such conifer known.

Conservation

It is threatened by habitat loss to mining and wildfire. It is a protected species.