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Pelargonium triste

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Geraniaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species is known to be wild collected to a significant extent. Several others of the genus are known to be targeted, exploited and illegally removed from the wild, causing population decline. Evidence shows that the pelargonium genus is in demand in international horticultural trade. As this taxon is common and widespread with remaining tubers left behind from collection being able to regrow, this taxon is not sensitive.
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 species is not fully assessed on the SANBI Red List and is of Least Concern (Foden & Potter, 2005). This species is Listed on CITES. This is one of the species that is collected on significant scale but is also the most common and widespread species (van der Walt, R personal communication, 12 August 2022). 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. There have been several recorded confiscations of this species and others of the Pelargonium genus from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2018-2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden, SANBI Kirstenbosch, Karoo Desert, and Pretoria Botanical Gardens). 

Foden, W. & Potter, L. 2005. Pelargonium triste (L.) L'Hér. 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 known to be widespread and common (van der Walt, R personal communication, 12 August 2022).

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.
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

Sections of the tubers remain behind after collection and this will enable regrowth (van der Walt, R personal communication, 12 August 2022).

Reference file
Pelargonium Aucfan.pdf854.01 KB
Pelargonium _ eBay.pdf561.91 KB
Pelargonium African Succulents.pdf408.87 KB
Pelargonium triste Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf332.65 KB