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Eriospermum aphyllum

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Ruscaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species and others of the genus have been confiscated from illegal plant collecting. This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. As this species is of least concern, 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 (Foden & Potter, 2006). This species is sought after and of interest in the international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace and e-commerce sites. This species and several others of the Eriospermum genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecution of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2016-2022) provided by Cape Nature, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, SANBI Karoo Desert Botanic Garden, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden and Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment). This suggests that this genus and species is being targeted may be at risk.

Foden, W. & Potter, L. 2005. Eriospermum aphyllum Marloth. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Population vulnerability
Unknown
Justification and references

Population data on this species is not available.

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.
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

Specific population data on this species is not available. As this species is of least concern, recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be possible.. Generally Eriospermums are a long-lived, slow-growing tuberous genus that have a high regeneration rate for most species. Can form large local populations quite quickly but majority of species are rare in the landscape making them vulnerable to illegal collection. Species are usually locally abundant but multiplication can be slow and small. (van Jaarsveld. E, Helme. N & Peckover. R, personal communication 2021, 14 October)

Reference file
Eriospermum Auction.pdf508.21 KB
Eriospermum interest.pdf440.07 KB
Eriospermum aphyllum Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf513.87 KB