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Cheiridopsis purpurea

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Aizoaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. Several species of the Cheiridopsis genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size, 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 Rare as it is range restricted and not threatened (Raimondo & Cholo, 2008). This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2021) provided by SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that rare species may be at risk.

Raimondo, D. & Cholo, F. 2008. Cheiridopsis purpurea L.Bolus. 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

As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size, were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be possible.

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

Rarity and range restriction makes this species vulnerable to population loss (Raimondo & Cholo, 2008). Were exploitation to also occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor.

Raimondo, D. & Cholo, F. 2008. Cheiridopsis purpurea L.Bolus. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Reference file
Cheiridopsis purpurea Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf530.45 KB
cheiridopsis _ eBay.pdf1002.78 KB
Cheiridopsis aucfan.pdf966.32 KB