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Aloe microstigma

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Asphodelaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
There have been several recorded confiscations of this species and others of the genus from illegal collection. Aloe species are widely utilised for traditional and medicinal purposes and are also popular in domestic and international horticulture trade. As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size and it is not thought to be threatened, 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

According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is of Least Concern. 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. There has been several recorded confiscations of this species and genus from illegal collection (Confiscation Lists (2018-2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANBI Karoo Desert Botanical Garden and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). 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 be tat risk.

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., Victor, J.E. & Smith, G.F. 2018. Aloe microstigma Salm-Dyck. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

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 and common, known from several large subpopulations (Mtshali et al. 2018). Population size is unknown.

Targeted demographics
Mature (breeding) and immature individuals are not killed, are not significantly weakened (the harvesting methods do not do harm), and are not permanently removed from the wild.
Justification and references

Leaves have been recorded in confiscations.

Regeneration potential
This species has a fast population growth rate, and there is a good chance the wild populations will recover from exploitation.
Justification and references

This taxon produces seeds in abundance as a survival mechanism and germination success is relatively high (Voigt, 2003). As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size and it is not thought to be threatened, were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be possible.

Voigt, W. 2003. Aloe microstigma Salm-Dyck. PlantZAfrica. Available at: http://pza.sanbi.org/aloe-microstigma

Reference file
Aloe microstigma _ PlantZAfrica.pdf200.16 KB
Mtshali et al 2018 Aloe microstigma Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf731.72 KB
aloe _ eBay.pdf643.68 KB
Aloe Aucfan.pdf468.22 KB