Crassula arborescens subsp. undulatifolia

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Crassulaceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

There have been several recorded confiscations of the arborescens species and others of the Crassula genus from illegal collection This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. An small population size makes this species vulnerable to population loss. Were exploitation to also occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor. Releasing data on this subspecies could exacerbate threat and vulnerability.

This species is either similar to 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 Rare as it is known from one location and not experiencing significant threat (van Jaarsveld et al. 2006). This genus is in demand and of popular 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/or confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Gamieldien SAPS, 2021). There have been several recorded confiscations of the arborescens species and others of the Crassula genus from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2018-2022) provided by Cape Nature, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and Karoo Desert Botanic Garden). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this subspecies may be at risk.

Gamieldien, C.M. 2021. 28 May 2021. Operation Crassula nets successes worth millions. Media Statement. South African Police Service, Office of the Provincial Commissioner Northern Cape. Available at: https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/selnewsdetails.php?nid=32837

van Jaarsveld, E.J., Victor, J.E. & Helme, N.A. 2006. Crassula arborescens (Mill.) Willd. subsp. undulatifolia Toelken. 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 (van Jaarsveld et al. 2006).

van Jaarsveld, E.J., Victor, J.E. & Helme, N.A. 2006. Crassula arborescens (Mill.) Willd. subsp. undulatifolia Toelken. 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

Single point endemics are highly vulnerable to population loss. Were exploitation to also occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor.

Reference file

crassula _ eBay.pdf1.25 MB

Crassula Aucfan.pdf514.65 KB

Crassula Rakuten.pdf1.06 MB

Crassula arborescens subsp. undulatifolia Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf624.46 KB

South African Police Service Crassula_42.pdf955.78 KB