Bulbine haworthioides | SANBI Sensitive Species

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Asphodelaceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

This species is thought to be highly collectable and a potential target for illegal 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 Bulbine genus is in high demand in international horticultural trade. A restricted range and small population size makes this species highly vulnerable to population loss. Releasing data on this species can exacerbate threat and vulnerability.

This species is either similar to or belongs to a group containing sensitive species, and is extremely rare in the wild. The localities of wild populations need to be protected to avoid loss to exploitation, which, due to its rarity, could drive the species to extinction within a very short time.

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 Vulnerable as it is known from one location that is potentially threatened by habitat loss, degradation and collection for horticultural purpose/succulent collectors (Archer et al. 2008). 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 Bulbine genus from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2019-2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden, and Karoo Desert Botanic Garden and Kirstenbosch Botanic Garden). This species is thought to be highly collectable due to its appearance (A. Harrower, personal communication, 3 August 2022). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this species may be at risk.

Archer, C., Raimondo, D. & Victor, J.E. 2008. Bulbine haworthioides B.Nord. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Population vulnerability

Population is vulnerable: size is <= 2500 mature individuals OR the number of known subpopulations is <= 5 OR range is <= 100km² OR species at risk of localised extinctions

Justification and references

This taxon is known from one location (Archer et al. 2008).

Archer, C., Raimondo, D. & Victor, J.E. 2008. Bulbine haworthioides B.Nord. 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

Range restriction, endemism and one known location makes this species vulnerable to population loss.

Reference file

Bulbine haworthioides Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf856.27 KB

Bulbine.pdf870.42 KB

bulbine_ Search Result .pdf1.68 MB