Assessor: Sarah Schumann
According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is Rare as it is range restricted, known from six sites and not experiencing significant threat (Victor & Burgoyne, 2005). 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 species of the Crassula genus from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2018-2021) 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 species may be threatened.
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
Victor, J.E. & Burgoyne, P.M. 2005. Crassula pellucida L. subsp. spongiosa Toelken. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
This taxon has an extent of occurrence of 500 km² and six known sites with more undiscovered sites thought to exist within its range (Victor & Burgoyne, 2005).
Victor, J.E. & Burgoyne, P.M. 2005. Crassula pellucida L. subsp. spongiosa Toelken. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
Majority Crassula species are not considered to be slow growing (Rogerson. C, personal communication 2021, 26 October). As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size and it is not thought to be threatened, were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be possible.