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Haworthia arachnoidea

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Asphodelaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
There have been several recorded confiscations of this species and of the Haworthia genus from illegal collection. This genus is in demand and of interest in international horticultural trade. Several species of the Haworthia genus have been illegal harvested. As this species is of Least Concern and widespread, 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 as it is widespread and not experiencing significant threat (von Staden, 2014). This genus is in demand and of interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Recently several species of the Haworthia genus have been illegal harvested. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and/or confiscated during a recent criminal prosecution of illegal plant collecting. There have been several recorded confiscations of this species and of the Haworthia genus from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2018-2021) provided by Cape Nature and SANBI Karoo Desert Botanical Garden). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this species may be threatened.

von Staden, L. 2014. Haworthia arachnoidea (L.) Duval. 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 thought to be widespread (von Staden, 2014).

von Staden, L. 2014. Haworthia arachnoidea (L.) Duval. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

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

Whole individuals 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 species is of Least Concern and widespread, recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be possible.

Reference file
Haworthia Auction.pdf848.24 KB
Haworthia.pdf774.07 KB
Haworthia Interest .pdf1.26 MB
haworthia2.pdf1.73 MB
Haworthia arachnoidea Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf618.49 KB