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Haworthiopsis coarctata

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Asphodelaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species is known to be targeted and collected for horticultural trade. This taxon is widespread and variable. Several others of the genus are known to be targeted, exploited and illegally removed from the wild, causing population decline. Evidence shows that the Haworthiopsis genus is in demand in international horticultural trade. As this taxon is widespread and does not have a vulnerable population, recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be possible.
Exploitation extent
Significant - wild individuals of the species are known to be exploited, collected, traded or utilized in a targeted manner, and utilisation is widespread, affects the majority of wild populations and/or is causing rapid decline of the wild population.
Justification and references

According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is of Least Concern as it is widespread, common and not thought to be in danger of extinction (von Staden, 2014). This species and others of the genus were among those targeted and confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2019-2022) provided by Cape Nature, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and SANBI Karoo Desert Botanic Garden). This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. This taxon is widespread and variable with a number of varieties and forms with vulnerable populations (S. Molteno, personal communication, 12 August 2022). This taxon is also found in accessible habitat (S. Molteno, personal communication, 12 August 2022). 

von Staden, L. 2014. Haworthiopsis coarctata (Haw.) G.D.Rowley. 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 is widespread and variable with an estimated 40 subpopulations (S. Molteno, personal communication, 12 August 2022).

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

Cuttings are recorded in confiscations.

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 is widespread and does not have a vulnerable population, recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be possible.

Reference file
haworthiopsis _ eBay.pdf447.72 KB
Haworthiopsis coarctata Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf522.5 KB
Haworthiopsis search results.pdf1.42 MB
Haworthiopsis.pdf1.91 MB