Reason for the sensitivity status
This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. There have been several recorded confiscations of species of the Brachystelma genus from illegal collection. Few known locations of occurrence with threat causing population population decline makes this species vulnerable to population loss. Were exploitation to also occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor. Releasing data on this species could exacerbate threat and vulnerability.
This species is either similar to another sensitive species or belongs to a group containing sensitive species, and is extremely rare in the wild. The localities of wild populations need to be protected to avoid loss to exploitation, which, due to its rarity, could drive the species to extinction within a very short time.
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 as it is known from three locations that has lost 25% of its population to habitat loss and is experiencing ongoing population decline due to habitat degradation (Raimondo & Dold, 2007). 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 several recorded confiscations of species of the Brachystelma genus from illegal collection (data provided by the Environmental Enforcement Fusion Centre at the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that endangered species may be at risk from collection and removal from the wild.
Raimondo, D. & Dold, A.P. 2007. Brachystelma cummingii A.P.Dold. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
Population vulnerability
Population is vulnerable: size is <= 2500 mature individuals OR the number of known subpopulations is <= 5 OR range is <= 100km2 OR species at risk of localised extinctions
Justification and references
This taxon is known from four subpopulations whereby one has been lost and is known from three locations with an extent of occurrence of 2100 km² (Raimondo & Dold, 2007).
Raimondo, D. & Dold, A.P. 2007. Brachystelma cummingii A.P.Dold. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
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
Few known subpopulations, locations and several threats places the persistence of this species at risk. Were exploitation to also occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor.
