Pelargonium alternans subsp. parviinflorescens

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Geraniaceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

This subspecies occurs as large populations with large plants so if collection were to occur, it is thought to be from seeds or cuttings. Several others of the genus are known to be targeted, exploited and illegally removed from the wild, causing population decline. Evidence shows that the pelargonium genus is in demand in international horticultural trade. As this taxon does not have vulnerable population size and is not thought to be threatened, recruitment and recovery from exploitation 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 Rare as it is range restricted and not threatened (Raimondo, 2014). This subspecies occurs as large populations with large plants so if collection were to occur, it is thought to be from seeds or cuttings (van der Walt, R personal communication, 12 August 2022).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 (Gamieldien SAPS, 2021). There have been several recorded confiscations of species of the Pelargonium genus from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2018-2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and Karoo Desert Botanic Garden).

Raimondo, D. 2014. Pelargonium alternans J.C.Wendl. subsp. parviinflorescens M.Becker & F.Albers. 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 120 km² (Raimondo, 2014).

Raimondo, D. 2014. Pelargonium alternans J.C.Wendl. subsp. parviinflorescens M.Becker & F.Albers. 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 vulnerable population size and is not thought to be threatened, recruitment and recovery from exploitation may be possible.

Reference file

Pelargonium _ eBay.pdf561.91 KB

Pelargonium African Succulents.pdf408.87 KB

Pelargonium Aucfan.pdf854.01 KB

Pelargonium alternans subsp. parviinflorescens Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf615.41 KB