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Colchicum cuspidatum

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Colchicaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species has been confiscated 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, recruitment and recovery from harvesting 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 of Least Concern as it is a South African endemic but with a stable population (Archer, 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. This species has been confiscated from illegal collection (Confiscation list (2020) Cape Nature). This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that this species may be at risk.

Archer, C. 2005. Colchicum cuspidatum (Baker) J.C.Manning & Vinn. 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 species population size is unknown but it is thought to be stable (Archer, 2005).

Archer, C. 2005. Colchicum cuspidatum (Baker) J.C.Manning & Vinn. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Targeted demographics
Mature (breeding) individuals are killed, significantly weakened or are permanently removed from the wild, OR immature individuals are targeted and this significantly impacts mature (breeding) individuals.
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 a vulnerable population size, recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be possible.
 

Reference file
colchicum bulbs for sale _ eBay.pdf652.54 KB