Sceletium tortuosum | SANBI Sensitive Species

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Aizoaceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

This taxon is known to be commercially traded which could threaten wild individuals with removal and collection. As this taxon 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 (Victor & Powell, 2005). This taxon is known to be commercially traded which could threaten wild individuals with removal and collection. Other species of this genus are potentially threatened with illegal harvesting of wild individuals for horticultural purposes (Klak et al. 2008).

Klak, C., Vlok, J.H. & Raimondo, D. 2008. Sceletium strictum L.Bolus. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Victor, J.E. & Powell, E. 2005. Sceletium tortuosum (L.) N.E.Br. 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

According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is of Least Concern (Victor & Powell, 2005).

Victor, J.E. & Powell, E. 2005. Sceletium tortuosum (L.) N.E.Br. 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 is of Least Concern, were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be possible.

Reference file

Sceletium tortuosum Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf739.51 KB