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Ruschia spinosa

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Aizoaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. This species may be a potential target as seen on the online platform iNaturalist. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. As this species is of Least Concern 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 species is of Least Concern (Burgoyne, 2006). 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. This species may be a potential target as seen on the online platform iNaturalist. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting  (Confiscation lists (2021) provided by SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that this species may be at risk.

Burgoyne, P.M. 2006. Ruschia spinosa (L.) Dehn. 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

Population data on this species is not available but it is of Least Concern.

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 species is of Least Concern (Burgoyne, 2006), were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be possible.

Burgoyne, P.M. 2006. Ruschia spinosa (L.) Dehn. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

 

Reference file
ruschia _ eBay.pdf1.01 MB
Ruschia spinosa Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf509.29 KB