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Gladiolus cruentus

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Iridaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
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. Few known subpopulations with existing threats causing population decline makes this species vulnerable to further population loss. Were exploitation to also occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor. Releasing data on this species could exacerbate threat and vulnerability.
This species is either similar to another sensitive species or belongs to a group containing sensitive species, and is extremely rare in the wild. The localities of wild populations need to be protected to avoid loss to exploitation, which, due to its rarity, could drive the species to extinction within a very short time.
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 Critically Endangered as it is very rare, known from five to seven isolated subpopulations that are experiencing ongoing population decline due to habitat degradation from alien invasive plant encroachment and water extraction (von Staden & Scott-Shaw, 2007). 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. Another species of this genus is known to be threatened with harvesting of wild individuals (Victor & Duncan, 2010). 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 endangered 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. 

von Staden, L. & Scott-Shaw, C.R. 2007. Gladiolus cruentus T.Moore. 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 taxon has an area of occupancy of an estimated 0.1 km² and is known from between five and seven subpopulations (von Staden & Scott-Shaw, 2007)

von Staden, L. & Scott-Shaw, C.R. 2007. Gladiolus cruentus T.Moore. 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

Few isolated and fragmented subpopulations that are experiencing ongoing threat and decline (von Staden & Scott-Shaw, 2007), makes this species vulnerable to further population loss. If exploitation were also to occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor.

von Staden, L. & Scott-Shaw, C.R. 2007. Gladiolus cruentus T.Moore. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Reference file
Gladiolus cruentus Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf648.08 KB
gladiolus.pdf786.27 KB