Reason for the sensitivity status
This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. Specific population data on this species is not available however as it is deemed vulnerable with a decreasing population trend, were exploitation to occur recruitment and recovery may be poor.
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 Vulnerable as it is has lost an estimated 30% of its locations of occurrence due to threats of crop cultivation and alien invasive plants (Vlok & Raimondo, 2006). 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.
Vlok, J.H. & Raimondo, D. 2006. Eulophia platypetala Lindl. 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
Specific population data on this species is not available. However it is deemed Vulnerable as it has lost an estimated 30% of its known locations of occurrence and has a declining population (Vlok & Raimondo, 2006).
Vlok, J.H. & Raimondo, D. 2006. Eulophia platypetala Lindl. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
Targeted demographics
Mature (breeding) and immature individuals are not killed, are not significantly weakened (the harvesting methods do not do harm), and are not permanently removed from the wild.
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
Specific population data on this species is not available however as it is deemed vulnerable with a decreasing population trend (Vlok & Raimondo, 2006), were exploitation to occur recruitment and recovery may be poor.
Vlok, J.H. & Raimondo, D. 2006. Eulophia platypetala Lindl. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
