Back to search results

Colchicum karooparkense

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Colchicaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
Other species of this genus have been confiscated from illegal collection. This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. A small population size makes this species vulnerable to population loss. Were exploitation to 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 Rare as it is poorly known and not thought to be threatened (Raimondo, 2016). This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Other species of this genus have been confiscated from illegal collection (Confiscation list (2020) Cape Nature). This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that this species may be at risk.

Raimondo, D. 2016. Colchicum karooparkense (U.Müll.-Doblies, Daber, J.M.Anderson & D.Müll.-Doblies) J.C.Manning & Vinn. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Population vulnerability
Population is vulnerable: size is <= 2500 mature individuals OR the number of known subpopulations is <= 5 OR range is <= 100km2 OR species at risk of localised extinctions
Justification and references

This taxon is known from a single locality whereby more collections are needed to confirm its designation (Raimondo, 2016).

Raimondo, D. 2016. Colchicum karooparkense (U.Müll.-Doblies, Daber, J.M.Anderson & D.Müll.-Doblies) J.C.Manning & Vinn. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Targeted demographics
Unknown.
Regeneration potential
Unknown
Justification and references

A small population size makes this species vulnerable to population loss. Were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor. 

Reference file
Colchicum karooparkense Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf540.89 KB
colchicum bulbs for sale _ eBay.pdf652.54 KB