Adromischus filicaulis subsp. marlothii

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Crassulaceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

There have been several recorded confiscations of the this subspecies and others of the Adromischus genus from illegal harvesting. This genus is in demand and of popular interest in horticultural trade. As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size, recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be possible.

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

This taxon is not fully assessed on the SANBI Red List and is a South African endemic of Least Concern (Foden & Potter, 2005). This genus is in demand and of popular interest in horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. There have been several recorded confiscations of the this subspecies and others of the Adromischus genus from illegal harvesting (Confiscation Lists (2018-2022) provided by Cape Nature, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and SANBI Karoo Desert Botanical Garden). This suggests that this genus and species is being targeted and that this subspecies may be at risk.

Foden, W. & Potter, L. 2005. Adromischus filicaulis (Eckl. & Zeyh.) C.A.Sm. subsp. marlothii (Schönland) Toelken. 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

Specific population data on this species is not available but it is thought to be widespread (Pilbeam et al. 1998).

Pilbeam. J, Rogerson. C, Tribble. D. 1998. Adromischus: The Cactus File Handbook 3. First Edition,Cirio Publishing Services Ltd, UK.

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 plants and cuttings 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

Specific population data on this species is not available and so although this species is known to be exploited, regeneration potential cannot be deduced. However and as this species is of Least Concern (Foden & Potter, 2005), recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be possible.

Foden, W. & Potter, L. 2005. Adromischus filicaulis (Eckl. & Zeyh.) C.A.Sm. subsp. marlothii (Schönland) Toelken. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Reference file

adromischus -.pdf976.15 KB

Adromischus_ .pdf1.02 MB

Adromischus filicaulis subsp. marlothii Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf603.22 KB