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Haworthiopsis scabra

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Asphodelaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This taxon and its varieties are known to be collected from the wild for the horticultural trade to a minor extent for the species overall. It is widespread and variable with some distinct forms being sensitive and/or targeted. Several others of the genus are known to be targeted, exploited and illegally removed from the wild, causing population decline. Evidence shows that the Haworthiopsis genus is in demand in international horticultural trade. As this taxon is widespread and variable with insignificant exploitation, 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 widespread, common and not in danger of extinction (Helme et al. 2014). This taxon is widespread and variable with a number of regional forms that have not received widespread taxonomic recognition. Some of the more distinct forms may be sensitive/targeted (S. Molteno, personal communication, 12 August 2022). This taxon is known to be wild collected for the horticultural trade (S. Molteno, personal communication, 12 August 2022). This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Other species of this genus are known to be threatened with harvesting and utilization for horticultural and medicinal purposes (Williams et al. 2014; Dold & Cocks, 2002). Plants of this genus were among those targeted and confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2019-2022) provided by Cape Nature, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and SANBI Karoo Desert Botanic Garden). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this species may be at risk. 

Dold, A.P. and Cocks, M.L. 2002. The trade in medicinal plants in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. South African Journal of Science 98:589-597.

Helme, N.A., Raimondo, D., Vlok, J.H. & von Staden, L. 2014. Haworthiopsis scabra (Haw.) G.D.Rowley. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Williams, V.L., Manyama, P.A., Helme, N.A., Kamundi, D.A., Dold, A.P. & von Staden, L. 2014. Haworthiopsis attenuata (Haw.) G.D.Rowley. 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 known from over 45 subpopulations (S. Molteno, personal communication, 12 August 2022).

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.
Justification and references

Whole individuals are recorded in confiscations.

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 is widespread and does not have a vulnerable population size, recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be possible.

 

Reference file
Haworthiopsis scabra Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf534.78 KB
haworthiopsis _ eBay.pdf447.72 KB
Haworthiopsis search results.pdf1.42 MB
Haworthiopsis.pdf1.91 MB