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Crassula lasiantha

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Crassulaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
There have been several recorded confiscations of species of the Crassula genus from illegal collection. This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size and it is not thought to be threatened, 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 a range restricted endemic not experiencing significant threat (Helme, 2006). 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/or confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Gamieldien SAPS, 2021). There have been several recorded confiscations of species of the Crassula genus from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2018-2021) 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 threatened.

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

Helme, N.A. 2006. Crassula lasiantha Drège ex Harv. 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 taxon has an extent of occurrence of 400 km² and is known from less than 10 sites (Helme, 2006).

Helme, N.A. 2006. Crassula lasiantha Drège ex Harv. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Targeted demographics
Unknown.
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 Crassula species are not considered to be slow growing  (Rogerson. C, personal communication 2021, 26 October). As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size and it is not thought to be threatened, were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be possible.

Reference file
South African Police Service Crassula.pdf955.78 KB
Crassula lasiantha Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf609.44 KB
crassula _ eBay.pdf1.25 MB
Crassula Aucfan.pdf514.65 KB
Crassula Rakuten.pdf1.06 MB