Back to search results

Lachenalia esterhuysenae

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Hyacinthaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. Several species of the Lachenalia genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size and it is not thought to be 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 of Least Concern as it is widespread, common and not thought to be under immediate threat (von Staden & Duncan, 2019). This genus is currently 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 utilized and collected from the wild for horticultural trade (Duncan et al. 2015). Several species of this genus were among those targeted and/or confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation lists (2020-2021) provided by SANBI Karoo Desert Botanical Garden and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that this species may be at risk to exploitation.

Duncan, G.D., Helme, N.A., Ebrahim, I. & von Staden, L. 2015. Lachenalia viridiflora W.F.Barker. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

von Staden, L. & Duncan, G.D. 2019. Lachenalia juncifolia 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 data on this species is not available but it is thought to be widespread and common (von Staden & Duncan, 2019).

von Staden, L. & Duncan, G.D. 2019. Lachenalia juncifolia Baker. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

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 known to be widespread, common and not under immediate threat (von Staden & Duncan, 2019), recruitment and recovery may be possible, if exploitation were to occur.

von Staden, L. & Duncan, G.D. 2019. Lachenalia juncifolia Baker. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Reference file
Lachenalia esterhuysenae Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf533.22 KB
lachenalia _ eBay.pdf675.25 KB
Lachenalia aucfan.pdf868.19 KB