Adromischus filicaulis subsp. filicaulis

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Crassulaceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

The filicaulis species and several other species of the Adromischus genus have been illegal harvested. This genus is in demand and of popular interest in horticultural trade. As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size, recruitment and recovery from harvesting 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

This taxon is not fully SANBI Red List assessed and is a South African endemic of Least Concern (Foden & Potter, 2005). This genus is in demand and of popular interest in horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Recently the filicaulis species and several other species of the Adromischus genus have been illegal harvested. There have been several recorded confiscations of the filicaulis species and others of the Adromischus genus from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2018-2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and SANBI Karoo Desert Botanical Garden). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this subspecies may be threatened.

Foden, W. & Potter, L. 2005. Adromischus filicaulis (Eckl. & Zeyh.) C.A.Sm. subsp. filicaulis. 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 population data on this species is not available but it is thought to be widespread and common (Pilbeam et al. 1998).

Pilbeam. J, Rogerson. C, Tribble. D. 1998. Adromischus: The Cactus File Handbook 3. First Edition,Cirio Publishing Services Ltd, UK.

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

Specific population data on this species is not available and so although this species is known to be exploited, regeneration potential cannot be deduced. However and as this species is of Least Concern (Foden & Potter, 2005), recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be possible.

Foden, W. & Potter, L. 2005. Adromischus filicaulis (Eckl. & Zeyh.) C.A.Sm. subsp. filicaulis. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Reference file

Adromischus filicaulis subsp. filicaulis Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf170.12 KB

adromischus -.pdf976.15 KB

Adromischus_ .pdf1.02 MB