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Eriospermum sabulosum

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Ruscaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
Several species of the Eriospermum genus have been targeted by illegal harvesters. This species is in demand and of interest in the international horticultural trade. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. A small population size with potential threat makes this species vulnerable to population loss. Were exploitation to also occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor. Releasing data on this species could exacerbate threat and vulnerability.
This species is either similar to another sensitive species or belongs to a group containing sensitive species, and is extremely rare in the wild. The localities of wild populations need to be protected to avoid loss to exploitation, which, due to its rarity, could drive the species to extinction within a very short time.
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 Vulnerable as it is known from one location that is potentially threatened with habitat loss (von Staden, 2015). This genus is in demand and of interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2016-2021) 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 vulnerable species may be at risk.

von Staden, L. 2015. Eriospermum sabulosum P.L.Perry. 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 one location and this species as well as the Eriospermum genus is thought to be under-sampled as they are cryptic and easily overlooked (von Staden, 2015).

von Staden, L. 2015. Eriospermum sabulosum P.L.Perry. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Targeted demographics
Unknown.
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

One known locality with existing potential threat (Vlok & Raimondo, 2006), places the persistence of this species at risk. Were exploitation to also occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor. 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)

Vlok, J.H. & Raimondo, D. 2006. Eriospermum rhizomatum P.L.Perry. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Reference file
von Staden 2015 Eriospermum sabulosum Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf619.37 KB
Eriospermum Auction.pdf508.21 KB
Eriospermum interest.pdf440.07 KB