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Raphionacme lucens

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Apocynaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. Plants of this genus are known to be utilized and were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. This taxon is known to have dispersal and recolonization abilities into its range in Mozambique that allows for its potential recovery and recruitment
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 species is Near Threatened as it is known from less than five locations and is potentially threatened by habitat loss and degradation (Venter et al. 2009). 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 are known to be utilized and were among those targeted and/or confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that this species may be at risk to removal from the wild and over-exploitation.

Venter, H.J.T., Nicholas, A., Scott-Shaw, C.R. & Victor, J.E. 2009. Raphionacme lucens Venter & R.L.Verh. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Population vulnerability
Population is vulnerable: size is <= 2500 mature individuals OR the number of known subpopulations is <= 5 OR range is <= 100km2 OR species at risk of localised extinctions
Justification and references

This taxon is known from less than five locations in South Africa (Venter et al. 2009).

Venter, H.J.T., Nicholas, A., Scott-Shaw, C.R. & Victor, J.E. 2009. Raphionacme lucens Venter & R.L.Verh. 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

This taxon is known to have dispersal and recolonization abilities into its range in Mozambique that allows for its potential recovery and recruitment (Venter et al. 2009).

Venter, H.J.T., Nicholas, A., Scott-Shaw, C.R. & Victor, J.E. 2009. Raphionacme lucens Venter & R.L.Verh. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Reference file
Raphionacme lucens Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf723.7 KB
raphionacme _ eBay.pdf847.67 KB