Gethyllis lata subsp. lata | SANBI Sensitive Species

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Amaryllidaceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

Several species of this genus have been targeted and confiscated from illegal plant collecting. Other species of this genus are known to be utilised. 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 fewer than 10 subpopulations and is not threatened (Snijman & Victor, 2007). Plants of this genus were among those targeted and/or confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2016-2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden, Karoo Desert Botanic Garden and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). Another taxon of this genus is threatened by over-collecting of its fruits for food and medicinal purposes (Snijman & Raimondo, 2015). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that rare species may be at risk.

Snijman, D.A. & Victor, J.E. 2007. Gethyllis lata L.Bolus subsp. lata. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Snijman, D.A. & Raimondo, D. 2015. Gethyllis britteniana Baker subsp. herrei (L.Bolus) D.Müll.-Doblies. 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 fewer than 10 subpopulations (Snijman & Victor, 2007).

Snijman, D.A. & Victor, J.E. 2007. Gethyllis lata L.Bolus subsp. lata. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Targeted demographics

Unknown.

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

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

Gethyllis lata lata Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf531.38 KB

Gethyllis search results.pdf833.3 KB