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Pelargonium citronellum

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Geraniaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species is easy to cultivate from cuttings so is not thought to be sensitive to collection. 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 species is locally common and is not thought to be vulnerable to exploitation, it is not sensitive.
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 Rare as it is a habitat specialist that is not threatened (Raimondo & Helme, 2007). This species is easy to cultivate from cuttings so is not thought to be sensitive to collection (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. 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).

Raimondo, D. & Helme, N.A. 2007. Pelargonium citronellum 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 occurs as scattered subpopulations and is locally common (Raimondo & Helme, 2007).

Raimondo, D. & Helme, N.A. 2007. Pelargonium citronellum J.J.A.van der Walt. 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 locally common and not thought to be vulnerable to exploitation, it is not sensitive to exploitation.

Reference file
Pelargonium citronellum Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf870.19 KB
Pelargonium _ eBay.pdf561.91 KB
Pelargonium African Succulents.pdf408.87 KB
Pelargonium Aucfan.pdf854.01 KB