New Caledonian Araucaria
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The main diversity among genus Araucaria is hosted in New Caledonia, where 14 species, all endemic, are described out of a total of 20 extant species.[1] These New Caledonian species are mainly found as dispersed populations in open areas, where competition is less intense.[2]
New Caledonia, considered as the smallest of the most significant biodiversity hotspots in the world,[3] hosts a unique flora of which 75.1% is endemic.[4] Species of Araucaria trees can be found in every habitat that New Caledonia possesses.[2] However, almost all of them are growing on ultramafic substrate, characterized by low fertility (low N, P, K levels) and high levels of heavy metals (nickel, cobalt, etc.).[5]