Disa tenella subsp. pusilla

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Orchidaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
Other species in this genus are known to be threatened by collection of wild individuals. 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 known from 10 subpopulations and not thought to be threatened (von Staden, 2006). Other species in this genus are known to be threatened by collection of wild individuals (von Staden et al. 2012; von Staden & Liltved, 2012).

von Staden, L. 2006. Disa tenella (L.f.) Sw. subsp. pusilla H.P.Linder. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

von Staden, L., Oliver, E.G.H. & Raimondo, D. 2012. Disa longicornu L.f. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

von Staden, L. & Liltved, W.R. 2012. Disa lugens Bolus var. nigrescens (H.P.Linder) H.P.Linder. 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 is known from 10 subpopulations and is thought to be stable (von Staden, 2006). Further population data is unavailable.

von Staden, L. 2006. Disa tenella (L.f.) Sw. subsp. pusilla H.P.Linder. 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

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.