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Othonna arbuscula

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Asteraceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This taxon is deemed not sensitive. Evidence shows that the Othonna genus is in demand and of interest in international horticultural trade. Although this species is known to be exploited and targeted, with the illegal removal of individuals causing population decline, the population size is not small and there is regeneration potential and recovery from exploitation due to possible recruitment from the many remaining individuals in the wild.
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

According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is of Least Concern (Victor, 2005). This genus is in demand and of interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. This species and others of the genus were among those targeted and confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2018-2022) 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 species is known to be common and widespread with many plants too large to be illegal collectors to be interested (Helme, N, personal communication 2022, 25 January). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this species may be threatened.

Victor, J.E. 2005. Othonna arbuscula (Thunb.) Sch.Bip. 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 common and widespread with an estimated population size of 10,000 plants (Helme, N, personal communication 2022, 25 January).

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.
Justification and references

Whole individuals are 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

As this species is common and widespread (Victor, 2005) (Helme, N, personal communication 2022, 25 January), recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be possible.

Reference file
Victor 2005 Othonna arbuscula Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf592.16 KB
Othonna Aucfan.pdf818.38 KB
Othonna african succulents 3.pdf531.1 KB
Othonna african succulents 2.pdf529.61 KB
Othanna african succulents 1.pdf535.16 KB