Gladiolus serpenticola

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. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and/or confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. Specific population data on this species is not available but as the population is thought to be stable and not threatened 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 (Burrows et al. 2009). This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Another species of this genus is known to be threatened with harvesting of wild individuals (Victor & Duncan, 2010). Plants of this genus were among those targeted and/or confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that this species may be at risk.

Burrows, J.E., Lötter, M., Mohamed, B. & Kamundi, D.A. 2009. Gladiolus serpenticola Goldblatt & J.C.Manning. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Victor, J.E. & Duncan, G.D. 2010. Gladiolus aureus Baker. 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

Specific population data on this species is not available but the population is thought to be stable (Burrows et al. 2009).

Burrows, J.E., Lötter, M., Mohamed, B. & Kamundi, D.A. 2009. Gladiolus serpenticola Goldblatt & J.C.Manning. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Targeted demographics
Unknown.
Regeneration potential
Unknown
Justification and references

Specific population data on this species is not available but as the population is thought to be stable and not threatened (Burrows et al. 2009), were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be possible.