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Othonna linearifolia

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Asteraceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This taxon is sensitive as it has a small population size that is in accessible areas and vulnerable to collection due to its unusual growth forms. Evidence shows that the Othonna genus is in high demand in international trade for ornamental and horticultural purposes with individuals from several species being illegally removed. Although the species is not known to be threatened with illegal harvesting, it has a small remaining population size with multiple threats, making it vulnerable to further population loss. Releasing data on this species can exacerbate threat and vulnerability.
This species is either similar to another sensitive species 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 Endangered as it is known from three locations and is threatened by alien invasive plant competition and habitat degradation (von Staden et al. 2012). Currently this species has a small population size that is in accessible areas and vulnerable to collection due to its unusual growth forms as well as to habitat loss to cultivation and development (Helme, N, personal communication 2022, 25 January). This genus is in demand and of interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. In 2003-2011, this species was traded for commercial purposes via wild collection of individuals and unknown sources as captured on the CITES trade database. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2018, 2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, SANBI Karoo Desert Botanic Garden, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden and Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this species may be threatened.

von Staden, L., Ebrahim, I. & Manning, J.C. 2012. Othonna linearifolia (DC.) Sch.Bip. 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 has an extent of occurrence of 42 km² and is known from three locations (von Staden et al. 2012). It has an estimated population size of less than 2000 individuals in the wild (Helme, N, personal communication 2022, 25 January).

von Staden, L., Ebrahim, I. & Manning, J.C. 2012. Othonna linearifolia (DC.) Sch.Bip. 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

Rarity, a small population and existing threats including vulnerability to collection (von Staden et al. 2012; Helme, N, personal communication 2022, 25 January), places the persistence of this species at risk. Were exploitation to also occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor.

von Staden, L., Ebrahim, I. & Manning, J.C. 2012. Othonna linearifolia (DC.) Sch.Bip. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Reference file
Othonna linearifolia Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf549.86 KB
Othanna african succulents 1.pdf535.16 KB
Othonna african succulents 2.pdf529.61 KB
Othonna african succulents 3.pdf531.1 KB
Othonna Aucfan.pdf818.38 KB