Reason for the sensitivity status
This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. There have been several recorded confiscations of species of the Brachystelma genus from illegal collection. Non-viable remaining populations places the persistence of this species at risk. Recruitment and recovery may not be possible making this species highly vulnerable. Releasing data on this species could exacerbate threat and vulnerability.
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 Critically Endangered as two small and non-viable subpopulations remain due to habitat loss and degradation (von Staden & Styles, 2016). 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. There have been several recorded confiscations of species of the Brachystelma genus from illegal collection (2019 confiscation data provided by the Environmental Enforcement Fusion Centre at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this species may be at risk from collection and removal from the wild.
von Staden, L. & Styles, D. 2016. Brachystelma natalense (Schltr.) N.E.Br. 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
This taxon is known from two small, fragmented and isolated populations (von Staden & Styles, 2016).
von Staden, L. & Styles, D. 2016. Brachystelma natalense (Schltr.) N.E.Br. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
Targeted demographics
Unknown.
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
The largest remaining subpopulation occurs within a protected area however is isolated, fragmented and not likely to persist due to lack of recruitment (von Staden & Styles, 2016).
von Staden, L. & Styles, D. 2016. Brachystelma natalense (Schltr.) N.E.Br. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
