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Eriospermum paradoxum

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Ruscaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species and others of the genus have been confiscated from illegal plant collecting. This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. As this species is known to be widespread and abundant, recruitment and recovery from harvesting 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 taxon has not been through a detailed Red List Assessment and is of Least Concern (Foden & Potter, 2005). This genus and species is in demand and of interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. This species and several others of the Eriospermum genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2016-2022) provided by Cape Nature, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, SANBI Karoo Desert Botanic Garden, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden and Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this species may be at risk.

Foden, W. & Potter, L. 2005. Eriospermum paradoxum (Jacq.) Ker Gawl. 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 known to be widespread and abundant (Helme. N, personal communication 2021, 19 October). Population data on this species is not available.

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

As specific population data on this species is not available, regeneration potential cannot be deduced. However this species is known to be exploited but as it is of Least Concern (Foden & Potter, 2005), common and widespread- recruitment and recovery may be possible. Generally Eriospermums are long-lived, slow-growing tuberous genus that have a high regeneration rate for most species. Can form large local populations quite quickly but majority of species are rare in the landscape making them vulnerable to illegal collection. Species are usually locally abundant but multiplication can be slow and small. (van Jaarsveld. E, Helme. N & Peckover. R, personal communication 2021, 14 October)

Foden, W. & Potter, L. 2005. Eriospermum paradoxum (Jacq.) Ker Gawl. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Reference file
Eriopermum paradoxum.pdf1.92 MB
Eriospermum Auction.pdf508.21 KB
Foden & Potter 2005 Eriospermum paradoxum Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf685.29 KB
Eriospermum interest.pdf440.07 KB