Assessor: Sarah Schumann
According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is of Least Concern as it is widespread and not experiencing significant threat (Mtshali, 2018). However, there have been several recorded confiscations of this species and genus from illegal collection (Confiscation Lists (2018-2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANBI Karoo Desert Botanical Garden and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). An internet survey indicated that this genus is very popular in trade, and that there is a very high demand. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and/or confiscated during a recent criminal prosecution of illegal plant collecting. Aloe species are widely utilised for traditional and medicinal purposes and are also popular in domestic and international horticulture trade (Grace, 2011). Many wild aloe species are threatened by over-exploitation for the succulent plant trade as well as over-utilisation for cosmetics and natural products which makes rare, endemic and utility taxa conservation priority (Grace, 2011).
Grace, O.M., 2011. Current perspectives on the economic botany of the genus Aloe L.(Xanthorrhoeaceae). South African Journal of Botany, 77(4), pp.980-987.
Mtshali, H. 2018. Aloe comptonii Reynolds. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
This taxon is endemic and widespread (Mtshali, 2018). Population size is unknown.
Mtshali, H. 2018. Aloe comptonii Reynolds. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
Whole individuals are recorded in confiscation lists.
As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size and it is not thought to be threatened, were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be possible.