Back to search results

Cheiridopsis pillansii

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Aizoaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species and others of the Cheiridopsis 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 and it is not thought to be threatened 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 (Burgoyne, 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. Other species in the genus are threatened with collection of wild individuals for the specialist succulent horticultural trade (Klak & Raimondo, 2006). This species and several others of the Cheiridopsis genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2021-2022) provided by SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that this species can be at risk.

Burgoyne, P.M. 2006. Cheiridopsis pillansii L.Bolus. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Klak, C. & Raimondo, D. 2006. Cheiridopsis pearsonii N.E.Br. 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.
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

Specific population data on this species is not available and so although this species is known to be exploited, regeneration potential cannot be deduced. However and as this species is of Least Concern (Burgoyne, 2006), recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be possible.

Burgoyne, P.M. 2006. Cheiridopsis pillansii L.Bolus. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Reference file
Cheiridopsis pillansii Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf511.07 KB
cheiridopsis _ eBay.pdf1002.78 KB
Cheiridopsis aucfan.pdf966.32 KB