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Gladiolus aureus

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
Yes
Family
Iridaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species is threatened by flower picking and seed harvesting. This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. A small remaining population size with existing threat causing population decline makes this species highly vulnerable to further population loss. Recruitment and recovery from harvesting may not be possible. 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

According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is Critically Endangered as its population has declined by 85% due to quarrying, groundwater extraction, alien plant invasion, flower picking and seed harvesting (Victor & Duncan, 2010). Over collecting by flower sellers and seed collection for cultivation in the 1980's is thought to have lowered regeneration potential of an already weakened and declining population (Victor & Duncan, 2010). 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 among those targeted and/or confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that this species may be at risk to over-exploitation.

Victor, J.E. & Duncan, G.D. 2010. Gladiolus aureus Baker. 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

There is thought to be less than 10 individuals remaining in the wild (Victor & Duncan, 2010).

Victor, J.E. & Duncan, G.D. 2010. Gladiolus aureus Baker. 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

Flowers and seeds are collected (Victor & Duncan, 2010).

Victor, J.E. & Duncan, G.D. 2010. Gladiolus aureus Baker. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

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

Over collecting by flower sellers and seed collection for cultivation in the 1980's is thought to have lowered regeneration potential of an already weakened and declining population (Victor & Duncan, 2010). Few remaining individuals with ongoing threats (Victor & Duncan, 2010), may result in poor recovery and recruitment, resulting in possible extinction.

Victor, J.E. & Duncan, G.D. 2010. Gladiolus aureus Baker. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Reference file
Gladiolus aureus Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf740.54 KB
gladiolus.pdf786.27 KB