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Oxalis palmifrons

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Oxalidaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species is widely cultivated in horticultural trade, easily available and has a large wild population. It is not thought to be sensitive to exploitation. Several others of the genus are known to be targeted, exploited and illegally removed from the wild, causing population decline. Evidence shows that the Oxalis genus is in demand in international horticultural trade.
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 of Least Concern (Cholo & Kamundi, 2006). This genus is increasing in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. This species is potentially being targeted as seen on online platforms like iNaturalist. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. There have been several recorded confiscations of species of the Oxalis genus from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2020) provided by Cape Nature). This species is widely cultivated in horticultural trade, easily available and has a large wild population. It is not thought to be sensitive to exploitation (Personal communication, K. Oberlander, 9 August 2022).

Cholo, F. & Kamundi, D.A. 2006. Oxalis palmifrons T.M.Salter. 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 has a large and widespread population (Personal communication, K. Oberlander, 9 August 2022).

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 species is of Least Concern with a large population (Cholo & Kamundi, 2006) (Personal communication, S. Molteno, 5 August 2022), were exploitation to take place, recruitment and recovery may be possible.

Cholo, F. & Kamundi, D.A. 2006. Oxalis palmifrons T.M.Salter. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Reference file
Oxalis palmifrons Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf739.23 KB
oxalis _ eBay.pdf911.17 KB
Oxalis Aucfan.pdf1.24 MB