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Eriospermum viscosum

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Ruscaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
Several species of the Eriospermum genus have been targeted by illegal harvesters. This species is in demand and of interest in the international horticultural trade. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. Few known locations of occurrence with existing threat makes this species vulnerable to further population loss. Were exploitation to also occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor. Releasing data on this species could exacerbate threat and vulnerability.
Exploitation extent
Uncertain - No data exists yet showing that this species is exploited in the wild, however it has one or more relatives or look-alike species (found in South Africa or globally) that are known to be utilised. This species has a similar life form or other relevant traits to its exploited relative(s), making it highly likely that it would be exploited for the same purposes.
Justification and references

According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is Endangered as it is rare, localized and experiencing ongoing population decline due to habitat degradation (Helme et al. 2015). This genus is in demand and of interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2016-2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, SANBI Karoo Desert Botanic Garden, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden and Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that endangered species may be at risk.

Helme, N.A., Raimondo, D. & Van Wyk, P.C.V. 2015. Eriospermum viscosum P.L.Perry. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Population vulnerability
Unknown
Justification and references

This taxon has an extent of occurrence of 1360 km², is known from a few collections and occurs in small, scattered subpopulations (Helme et al. 2015). Specific population data on this species is not available.

Helme, N.A., Raimondo, D. & Van Wyk, P.C.V. 2015. Eriospermum viscosum P.L.Perry. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Targeted demographics
Unknown.
Regeneration potential
This species has a slow population growth rate, or the growth rate varies depending on habitat, and there is a poor chance the wild populations will recover from exploitation OR a collector might feasibly harvest the entire extant population removing the chance of subsequent recruitment.
Justification and references

Few known collections with existing threats causing population decline (Helme et al. 2015), places the persistence of this species at risk. Were exploitation to also occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor. Generally Eriospermums are long-lived, slow-growing tuberous genus that have a high regeneration rate for most species. Can form large local populations quite quickly but majority of species are rare in the landscape making them vulnerable to illegal collection. Species are usually locally abundant but multiplication can be slow and small. (van Jaarsveld. E, Helme. N & Peckover. R, personal communication 2021, 14 October)

Helme, N.A., Raimondo, D. & Van Wyk, P.C.V. 2015. Eriospermum viscosum P.L.Perry. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Reference file
Eriospermum Auction.pdf508.21 KB
Eriospermum interest.pdf440.07 KB
Helme et al 2015 Eriospermum viscosum Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf627.79 KB