Reason for the sensitivity status
This variety is known to be wild collected for the horticultural trade and for medicinal purposes. Several others of the genus are known to be targeted, exploited and illegally removed from the wild, causing population decline. Evidence shows that the Haworthiopsis genus is in demand in international horticultural trade. Few known subpopulations makes this taxon vulnerable to population loss. Releasing data on this variety could exacerbate threat and vulnerability.
This species is extremely rare in the wild and is known to be exploited, utilised or traded. The localities of remaining populations need to be protected to avoid any further exploitation, which is likely to drive it to extinction.
Exploitation extent
Significant - wild individuals of the species are known to be exploited, collected, traded or utilized in a targeted manner, and utilisation is widespread, affects the majority of wild populations and/or is causing rapid decline of the wild population.
Justification and references
This variety is not Red List evaluated. This taxon is variable with a number of regional forms that have not received widespread taxonomic recognition. Some of the more distinct forms may be sensitive/targeted. This variety is known to be wild collected for the horticultural trade (S. Molteno, personal communication, 12 August 2022). Several others of the genus were among those targeted and confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2019-2022) provided by Cape Nature, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and SANBI Karoo Desert Botanic Garden). This genus is in demand and of popular interest in horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites.
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 six subpopulations whereby one subpopulation has been lost to habitat loss and degradation (S. Molteno, personal communication, 12 August 2022).
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
A small population size with existing threats including exploitation makes this variety vulnerable to population loss. Recruitment and recovery may be poor.
