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Pelargonium album

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Geraniaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
It is thought that collectors will target seed or cuttings with no significant impact on the population. Several others of the genus are known to be targeted, exploited and illegally removed from the wild, causing population decline. Evidence shows that the pelargonium genus is in demand in international horticultural trade. As this taxon does not have vulnerable population size and exploitation is minimal, recruitment and recovery from exploitation 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 Rare as it is range restricted and not experiencing significant threat (Lötter et al. 2007). It is thought that collectors will target seed or cuttings with no significant impact on the population (van der Walt, R personal communication, 12 August 2022). This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and/or confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Gamieldien SAPS, 2021). There have been several recorded confiscations of species of the Pelargonium genus from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2018-2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and Karoo Desert Botanic Garden). 

Lötter, M., Burrows, J.E. & Raimondo, D. 2007. Pelargonium album J.J.A.van der Walt. 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 has an extent of occurrence of less than 500 km² and is thought to be locally common (Lötter, 2007)

Lötter, M., Burrows, J.E. & Raimondo, D. 2007. Pelargonium album J.J.A.van der Walt. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Targeted demographics
Mature (breeding) and immature individuals are not killed, are not significantly weakened (the harvesting methods do not do harm), and are not permanently removed from the wild.
Justification and references

Seeds or cuttings are thought to targeted (van der Walt, R personal communication, 12 August 2022).

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 does not have vulnerable population size and exploitation is minimal, recruitment and recovery from exploitation may be possible.

Reference file
Pelargonium album Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf626.91 KB