Back to search results

Eriospermum titanopsoides

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Ruscaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species and several others of the Eriospermum genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecution of illegal plant collecting. This species is sought after and of interest in the international horticultural trade. Few known subpopulations with existing threats including exploitation causing population decline, makes this species vulnerable to further population loss. Recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be poor. Releasing data on this species could exacerbate threat and vulnerability.
This species is extremely rare in the wild and is known to be exploited, utilised or traded. The localities of remaining populations need to be protected to avoid any further exploitation, which is likely to drive it to extinction.
Exploitation extent
Significant - wild individuals of the species are known to be exploited, collected, traded or utilized in a targeted manner, and utilisation is widespread, affects the majority of wild populations and/or is causing rapid decline of the wild population.
Justification and references

This species is of Vulnerable according to the SANBI Red List and is threatened mainly with habitat loss and mining (Helme & Victor 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 threatened with over-collection.

Helme, N.A., Archer, C. & Victor, J.E. 2006. Eriospermum titanopsoides P.L.Perry. 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 species has a restricted geographic range with only 4 known subpopulations (Helme & Victor 2006).

Helme, N.A., Archer, C. & Victor, J.E. 2006. Eriospermum titanopsoides P.L.Perry. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

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.
Justification and references

Individuals are removed from the wild.

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

Few known subpopulations with existing threats including exploitation (Helme & Victor 2006), places the persistence of this species at risk whereby recruitment and recovery may be poor. 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)

Helme, N.A., Archer, C. & Victor, J.E. 2006. Eriospermum titanopsoides P.L.Perry. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Reference file
Helme et al 2006 Eriospermum titanopsoides Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf615.81 KB
Eriospermum Auction.pdf508.21 KB
Eriospermum interest.pdf440.07 KB