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Drimia capensis

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Hyacinthaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species and others of the genus have been confiscated from 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 (Victor & Turner, 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.  Another species of this genus is known to be removed from the wild for medicinal purposes (Williams & Crouch, 2008). This species and several others of the genus were among those targeted and confiscated multiple times times during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation lists (2016-2022) provided by SANBI Karoo Desert Botanical Garden, Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and Cape Nature). This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that this species may be at risk.

Victor, J.E. & Turner, R.C. 2006. Drimia capensis (Burm.f.) Wijnands. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Williams, V.L. & Crouch, N.R. 2008. Drimia echinostachya (Baker) Eggli & N.R.Crouch. 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

Population data on this species is unavailable but the population trend is thought to be stable (Victor & Turner, 2006).

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

Bulbs are recorded in confiscations.

Regeneration potential
Unknown
Justification and references

As this species is of least concern, recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be possible.

Reference file
drimia _ eBay.pdf439.87 KB
Drimia capensis Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf593.92 KB
Drimia Aucfan.pdf1.14 MB