Aloe humilis

According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is of Least Concern but is experiencing population decline due to illegal removal of plants and habitat loss (Mtshali, 2018). This taxon is thought to be a popular horticultural specimen which has lead to its localised extinction in accessible areas (Mtshali, 2018). There has been several recorded confiscations of the species and genus from illegal collection (Confiscation Lists (2018-2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANBI Karoo Desert Botanical Garden and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). An internet survey indicated that this genus is very popular in trade, and that there is a very high demand. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and/or confiscated during a recent criminal prosecution of illegal plant collecting. Aloe species are widely utilised for traditional and medicinal purposes and are also popular in domestic and international horticulture trade (Grace, 2011). Many wild aloe species are threatened by over-exploitation for the succulent plant trade as well as over-utilisation for cosmetics and natural products which makes rare, endemic and utility taxa conservation priority (Grace, 2011).  This suggests that this species and genus is being targeted and may threatened with over-collection. 

Grace, O.M., 2011. Current perspectives on the economic botany of the genus Aloe L.(Xanthorrhoeaceae). South African Journal of Botany, 77(4), pp.980-987.

Mtshali, H. 2018. Aloe humilis (L.) Mill. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.