Important tree species, their values and uses are tabulated in
Appendix 2. The local timbers have been well studied for 30 years, especially by
CIRAD-Forêt, the French forest research institute. Their features and uses
are well known. The main difficulties affecting optimal utilization
are:
- heterogeneity and the dispersed nature of the forests and wood resources;
- variety of land tenures;
- competition from imported timbers and alternative materials;
- comparatively small population New Caledonia;
- geo-physical relief and difficulty of access in New Caledonia; and
- local cost of labour.
Important tree species, their geographical and altitudinal
parameters, and management are detailed in the table in Appendix 3. Many other
species are poorly known and grow only in limited local areas. These
include:
- Neocallitropsis pancheri-an endemic conifer known from one location
in North Province and thirteen in South Province;
- Dacrydium guillaumini-known from two locations in the extreme south;
- Parasitaxus ustus-a unique parasitic conifer;
- Captaincookia margaretae-an endemic Rubiaceae in some sclerophyllous
forests of the west coast;
- Pritchardiopsis jeanneneyi-an endemic palm known from one location
in a southern conservation area;
- Lavoixia macrocarpa-known from one location in a northern conservation
area; and
- Cyathea cicatricosa and C. stelligera-rare endemic tree ferns.
