Crassula columella | SANBI Sensitive Species

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

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. Few known locations of occurrence makes this species vulnerable to population loss. Recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be poor. Releasing data on this species could exacerbate threat and vulnerability.

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 Rare as it is habitat specialist not experiencing significant threat (Raimondo et al. 2007). 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 recent 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

Raimondo, D., Manyama, P.A. & Kamundi, D.A. 2007. Crassula columella Marloth & Schönland. 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 5 subpopulations (Raimondo et al. 2007).

Raimondo, D., Manyama, P.A. & Kamundi, D.A. 2007. Crassula columella Marloth & Schönland. 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

Range restriction, endemism, and few subpopulations makes this species vulnerable to population loss. Recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be poor.

Reference file

crassula _ eBay.pdf1.25 MB

Crassula Aucfan.pdf514.65 KB

Crassula Rakuten.pdf1.06 MB

Crassula columella Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf614.61 KB

South African Police Service Crassula_42.pdf955.78 KB