Babiana sambucina subsp. longibracteata

Assessor: Juan Swanepoel

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Iridaceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

There have been recorded confiscations of subspecies of the Babiana genus from illegal collection. This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. Few known locations of occurrence with existing threat causing population decline makes this species vulnerable to further population loss. Were exploitation to also occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor. Releasing data on this subspecies could exacerbate threat and vulnerability.

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 Endangered (von Staden and Raimondo, 2008). This genus is increasing in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. There have been recorded confiscations of Babiana spp. from illegal collections (2021, confiscation data provided by Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this species may be at risk from the wild.

von Staden, L. and Raimondo, D. 2008. Babiana sambucina (Jacq.) Ker Gawl. subsp. longibracteata (G.J.Lewis) Goldblatt and J.C.Manning. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2021/12/24

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

With an extent of occurrence of 450 km² and area of occurrence <450 km² possibly persisting at five sites the population has a decreasing trend. The decreasing trend is attributed to habitat loss resulting from expanding rooibos cultivation in this sub-species' habitat (von Staden and Raimondo, 2008).

Targeted demographics

Unknown.

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

The population growth rate is unknown. Population size is likely to be limited by suitable habitat. Should exploitation occur, even if only cuttings or leaves are collected, compounded with ongoing expansion of rooibos cultivation which has been identified as a threat (von Staden and Raimondo, 2008), the chance of populations recovering may be poor.