Eriospermum capense subsp. stoloniferum

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Ruscaceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

Several species of the Eriospermum genus have been targeted by illegal harvesters. This species is in demand and of interest in the international horticultural trade. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size, 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 subspecies is Vulnerable as it is known from few locations that are experiencing population decline due to habitat loss and degradation (Helme, 2006). This genus is sought after and of interest in the international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace and e-commerce sites. Several species of the Eriospermum genus were among those targeted and confiscated during recent criminal prosecution of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2016-2022) provided by Cape Nature, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, SANBI Karoo Desert Botanic Garden, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden and Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this subspecies may be threatened.

Helme, N.A. 2006. Eriospermum capense (L.) Thunb. subsp. stoloniferum (Marloth) P.L.Perry. 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 5000 km² and is known from less than 10 locations (Helme, 2006).

Helme, N.A. 2006. Eriospermum capense (L.) Thunb. subsp. stoloniferum (Marloth) P.L.Perry. 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 taxon does not have a vulnerable population size, were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be possible.

Reference file

Eriospermum capense stoloniferum Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf544.42 KB

Eriospermum Auction.pdf508.21 KB

Eriospermum interest.pdf440.07 KB