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Moraea verecunda

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Iridaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. Other Moraea species are known to be threatened by harvesting of wild individuals. Several species of this genus were among those confiscated from illegal plant collecting. As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size, were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be possible.
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 Rare as it is range restricted and not thought to be threatened (Raimondo et al. 2014). 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 Moraea species are known to be threatened by harvesting of wild individuals (Goldblatt et al. 2006; Goldblatt & Raimondo, 2006). Several species of this genus were among those confiscated from illegal plant collecting (Confiscation lists (2020-2021) provided by SANBI Karoo Desert Botanical Garden and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that rare species of this genus may be at risk to over-exploitation.

Goldblatt, P., Manning, J.C. & Raimondo, D. 2006. Moraea angulata Goldblatt. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Goldblatt, P. & Raimondo, D. 2006. Moraea atropunctata Goldblatt. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Raimondo, D., Goldblatt, P. & von Staden, L. 2014. Moraea verecunda Goldblatt. 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 has an extent of occurrence of 342 km² (Raimondo et al. 2014). Further population data on this species is not available. 

Raimondo, D., Goldblatt, P. & von Staden, L. 2014. Moraea verecunda Goldblatt. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Targeted demographics
Unknown.
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 taxon does not have a vulnerable population size, were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be possible.

Reference file
moraea.pdf669.68 KB
Moraea verecunda Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf537.96 KB