Haworthiopsis viscosa

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 to a small extent. This taxon is widespread and variable with some of the more distinct forms being sensitive/targeted. 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 high demand in international horticultural trade. As this taxon is widespread, with insignificant exploitation and does not have a vulnerable population, 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 thought to be in danger of extinction (von Staden, 2014). This species is known to be targeted and wild collected for horticultural trade to a small extent. This taxon is widespread and variable with a number of regional forms that have not received widespread taxonomic recognition. Some of the more distinct forms may be sensitive/targeted(S. Molteno, personal communication, 12 August 2022). This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Other species of this genus are known to be threatened with harvesting and utilization for horticultural and medicinal purposes (Williams et al. 2014; Dold & Cocks, 2002). 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).

Dold, A.P. and Cocks, M.L. 2002. The trade in medicinal plants in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. South African Journal of Science 98:589-597.

von Staden, L. 2014. Haworthiopsis viscosa (L.) G.D.Rowley. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Williams, V.L., Manyama, P.A., Helme, N.A., Kamundi, D.A., Dold, A.P. & von Staden, L. 2014. Haworthiopsis attenuata (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 known from over a hundred 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

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