Assessor: Sarah Schumann
According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is of Least Concern (Foden & Potter, 2005). This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. This species and others of the Eriospermum genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecutions 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 is being targeted and that this species may be at risk.
Foden, W. & Potter, L. 2005. Eriospermum pubescens Jacq. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
Population data on this species is not available.
Whole individuals are recorded in confiscations.
Specific population data on this species is not available and so although this species is known to be exploited, regeneration potential cannot be deduced. However as this species of Least Concern and not thought to be threatened, recruitment and recovery may be possible. Generally Eriospermums are 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)