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Adromischus hemisphaericus

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Crassulaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
There have been several recorded confiscations of this species and others of the Adromischus genus from illegal collection. This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size, were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be possible.
Exploitation extent
Small or insignificant - wild individuals of the species are known to be exploited, collected, traded or utilized in a targeted manner, but utilisation is localised and/or affects only a small proportion of the wild population.
Justification and references

This species is not fully assessed on the SANBI Red List and is a South African endemic of Least Concern (Foden & Potter, 2005). This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. There have been several recorded confiscations of this species and others of the Adromischus genus from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2018-2022) provided by Cape Nature and SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this species may be at risk.

Population vulnerability
Population is not vulnerable: size is > 2500 mature individuals, AND the number of known subpopulations is > 5 AND range > 100km2
Justification and references

This taxon is widespread in the Western Cape with localised populations (Pilbeam et al. 1998).

Pilbeam. J, Rogerson. C, Tribble. D. 1998. Adromischus: The Cactus File Handbook 3. First Edition,Cirio Publishing Services Ltd, UK.

Targeted demographics
Mature (breeding) individuals are killed, significantly weakened or are permanently removed from the wild, OR immature individuals are targeted and this significantly impacts mature (breeding) individuals.
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

As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size, were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be possible.
 

Reference file
Adromischus hemisphaericus Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf607.86 KB
adromischus -.pdf976.15 KB
Adromischus_ .pdf1.02 MB