Back to search results

Eucomis grimshawii

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Hyacinthaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in horticultural and medicinal trade. Others species of this genus are threatened due to harvesting of bulbs of wild individuals for medicinal purposes. 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 habitat specialist that is not thought to be threatened (von Staden, 2014). This genus is currently 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 recorded in confiscations of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation lists (2010-2021) provided by SANBI Karoo Desert Botanical Garden and Cape Nature). Another species of this genus is threatened with harvesting for medicinal purposes (Williams et al. 2016). This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that rare species may be at risk to over-exploitation and removal from the wild.

von Staden, L. 2014. Eucomis grimshawii G.D.Duncan & Zonn. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Williams, V.L., Raimondo, D., Crouch, N.R., Cunningham, A.B., Scott-Shaw, C.R., Lötter, M. & Ngwenya, A.M. 2016. Eucomis autumnalis (Mill.) Chitt. 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  220 km² (von Staden, 2014). Further population data is not available.

von Staden, L. 2014. Eucomis grimshawii G.D.Duncan & Zonn. 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.

Reference file
Eucomis grimshawii Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf525.47 KB
eucomis _ eBay.pdf607.49 KB