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Euphorbia bupleurifolia

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Euphorbiaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species is harvested for medicinal purposes in a part of its range. There have been several recorded confiscations of species of the Euphorbia genus from illegal collection. This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. There are concerns that the extent of harvesting of this species may be unsustainable. Releasing data on this species could exacerbate threat and vulnerability.
This species is threatened by widespread, unregulated, unsustainable exploitation of wild populations. The localities of remaining populations need to be protected to avoid any further exploitation, which is likely to drive it to extinction.
Exploitation extent
Significant - wild individuals of the species are known to be exploited, collected, traded or utilized in a targeted manner, and utilisation is widespread, affects the majority of wild populations and/or is causing rapid decline of the wild population.
Justification and references

According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is of Least Concern as it is widespread, relatively common and harvested for medicinal purposes in a part of its range (Victor et al. 2016). This genus is currently 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 Euphorbia species from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2018-2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden, Karoo Desert Botanical Garden, and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this species may be at risk.

Victor, J.E., Archer, R.H. & Dold, A.P. 2016. Euphorbia bupleurifolia Jacq. 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 is widespread and thought to be relatively common (Victor et al. 2016).

Victor, J.E., Archer, R.H. & Dold, A.P. 2016. Euphorbia bupleurifolia Jacq. 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 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

There are concerns that the extent of harvesting of this species may be unsustainable (Victor et al. 2016).

Victor, J.E., Archer, R.H. & Dold, A.P. 2016. Euphorbia bupleurifolia Jacq. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Reference file
euphorbia _ eBay.pdf1.06 MB
Euphorbia Aucfan.pdf1.75 MB
Euphorbia bupleurifolia Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf608.56 KB