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Argyroderma subalbum

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Aizoaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
There have been several recorded confiscations of species of the Argyroderma genus from illegal collection. This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. 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 Rare as it is range-restricted and not threatened (van Jaarsveld et al. 2005). 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 confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation List (2020-2021) provided by Cape Nature and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this species may be at risk.

van Jaarsveld, E.J., Potter, L. & Raimondo, D. 2005. Argyroderma subalbum (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. 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 300 km² (van Jaarsveld et al. 2005). Further population data on this species is not available.

van Jaarsveld, E.J., Potter, L. & Raimondo, D. 2005. Argyroderma subalbum (N.E.Br.) N.E.Br. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Targeted demographics
Unknown.
Regeneration potential
This species has a slow population growth rate, or the growth rate varies depending on habitat, and there is a poor chance the wild populations will recover from exploitation OR a collector might feasibly harvest the entire extant population removing the chance of subsequent recruitment.
Justification and references

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.

Reference file
Argyroderma subalbum Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf741.59 KB
Argyroderma search results.pdf650.3 KB
Argyroderma.pdf150.7 KB