Assessor: Sarah Schumann
According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is of Least Concern (Cholo & Foden, 2006). 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 this species may be at risk.
Cholo, F. & Foden, W. 2006. Eriocaulon abyssinicum Hochst. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
This taxon is highly common and widespread (Helme. N, personal communication 2021, 19 October). Specific population data on this species is not available.
Specific population data on this species is not available and so regeneration potential cannot be deduced. However as this species is of Least Concern (Cholo & Foden, 2006) and thought to be common and widespread, recruitment and recovery from exploitation may be possible. 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)
Cholo, F. & Foden, W. 2006. Eriocaulon abyssinicum Hochst. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.