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Crassula alstonii

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Crassulaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species and several others of the Crassula genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. As this species is thought to be fairly common and not threatened, 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 fairly common and not experiencing significant threat (Manyama & Kamundi, 2018). This genus is 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 criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Gamieldien SAPS, 2021). There have been several recorded confiscations of this species and others of the Crassula genus from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2018-2022) provided by Cape Nature, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and Karoo Desert Botanic Garden). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this species may be at risk.

Gamieldien, C.M. 2021. 28 May 2021. Operation Crassula nets successes worth millions. Media Statement. South African Police Service, Office of the Provincial Commissioner Northern Cape. Available at: https://www.saps.gov.za/newsroom/selnewsdetails.php?nid=32837

Manyama, P.A. & Kamundi, D.A. 2018. Crassula alstonii Marloth. 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 species is common and localised with a restricted range and an extent of occurrence of 1912 km² (Manyama & Kamundi, 2018).

Manyama, P.A. & Kamundi, D.A. 2018. Crassula alstonii Marloth. 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 fast population growth rate, and there is a good chance the wild populations will recover from exploitation.
Justification and references

Majority of Crassula species are not considered to be slow growing (Rogerson. C, personal communication 2021, 26 October). As this species is thought to be fairly common and not threatened, recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be possible.

Reference file
crassula _ eBay.pdf1.25 MB
Crassula Aucfan.pdf514.65 KB
Crassula alstonii Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf621.1 KB