Haemanthus lanceifolius | SANBI Sensitive Species

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Aizoaceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

Several others of the Haemanthus genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. Few known locations of occurrence with existing threats makes this species vulnerable to population loss. Were exploitation to also occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor. Releasing data on this species 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 Vulnerable as it is known from four locations that is threatened with habitat loss and alien invasive plant encroachment (Snijman & Raimondo, 2007). This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Other species in this genus are known to be threatened by harvesting of wild individuals for horticultural purposes (Snijman & Victor, 2004; Snijman et al. 2007). Several species of this genus were among those targeted and/or confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2016-2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden, Karoo Desert Botanic Garden and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that vulnerable species may be at risk.

Snijman, D.A. & Victor, J.E. 2004. Haemanthus nortieri Isaac. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Snijman, D.A., Raimondo, D. & Victor, J.E. 2007. Haemanthus canaliculatus Levyns. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Snijman, D.A. & Raimondo, D. 2007. Haemanthus lanceifolius Jacq. 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 four locations from an area of 750 km² (Snijman & Raimondo, 2007).

Snijman, D.A. & Raimondo, D. 2007. Haemanthus lanceifolius Jacq. 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

Four known locations and subpopulations with existing ongoing threats (Snijman & Raimondo, 2007), places the persistence of this species at risk. Were exploitation to also occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor.

Snijman, D.A. & Raimondo, D. 2007. Haemanthus lanceifolius Jacq. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Reference file

haemanthus _ eBay.pdf577.13 KB

Haemanthus Aucfan.pdf909.29 KB

Haemanthus lanceifolius Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf545.54 KB