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Albuca spiralis

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Hyacinthaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species and others of this genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. As this species is of Least Concern, recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be possible.
Exploitation extent
Small or insignificant - wild individuals of the species are known to be exploited, collected, traded or utilized in a targeted manner, but utilisation is localised and/or affects only a small proportion of the wild population.
Justification and references

According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is of Least Concern (Klopper & Victor, 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. This species and others of this genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation lists (2018-2022) provided by SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, Karoo Desert Botanical Garden and SANparks Sendlingsdrift Botanic Garden). This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that this species may be at risk to over-exploitation and removal from the wild.

Klopper, R.R. & Victor, J.E. 2005. Albuca spiralis L.f. 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 species is of Least Concern.

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 individuals are 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

As this species is of Least Concern, recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be possible.

Reference file
Albuca spiralis Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf581.49 KB
albuca _ eBay.pdf1004.71 KB
Albuca aucfan.pdf516.76 KB