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Adromischus alstonii

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Crassulaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species and several others of the Adromischus genus have been illegal harvested. This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size, 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 common, widespread and not experiencing significant threat (von Staden, 2015). This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. This species and several others of the Adromischus genus have been illegal harvested (Confiscation List (2018-2022) provided by Cape Nature, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, and Karoo Desert Botanical Garden). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this species may be at risk.

von Staden, L. 2015. Adromischus alstonii (Schönland & Baker f.) C.A.Sm. 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 common and widespread (von Staden, 2015).

von Staden, L. 2015. Adromischus alstonii (Schönland & Baker f.) C.A.Sm. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

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 slow population growth rate, or the growth rate varies depending on habitat, and there is a poor chance the wild populations will recover from exploitation OR a collector might feasibly harvest the entire extant population removing the chance of subsequent recruitment.
Justification and references

This taxon is slow growing (Pilbeam et al. 1998).  As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size, recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be possible.

Pilbeam. J, Rogerson. C, Tribble. D. 1998. Adromischus: The Cactus File Handbook 3. First Edition,Cirio Publishing Services Ltd, UK.

Reference file
Adromischus alstonii Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf277.63 KB
adromischus -.pdf976.15 KB
Adromischus_ .pdf1.02 MB