Haworthia vlokii | SANBI Sensitive Species

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Asphodelaceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

This species is known to be wild collected for the horticultural trade to an insignificant extent. Several others of the genus are known to be targeted, exploited and illegally removed from the wild, causing population decline. Evidence shows that the Haworthia genus is in demand in international horticultural trade. Although exploitation is thought to be minimal, as it has a vulnerable population size, 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

Small or insignificant - wild individuals of the species are known to be exploited, collected, traded or utilized in a targeted manner, but utilisation is localised and/or affects only a small proportion of the wild population.

Justification and references

According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is Rare as it is known from one population and is not experiencing significant threat (Raimondo & von Staden, 2014). The taxonomy of this genus is not yet fully resolved. Taxonomic boundaries are often unclear and the taxa themselves are often immensely variable. The assessment information is therefore subject to the taxon status and recognition (Molteno, S Personal communication, 30 August 2022). This species is known to be sought after and wild collected to an insignificant extent (Molteno, S Personal communication, 30 August 2022). This genus is in demand and of 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 confiscated during a recent criminal prosecution of illegal plant collecting. There have been several recorded confiscations of species of the Haworthia genus from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2018-2021) provided by Cape Nature and SANBI Karoo Desert Botanical Garden).

Raimondo, D. & von Staden, L. 2014. Haworthia vlokii M.B.Bayer. 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 extent of occurrence of 73 km² and is known from one population and locality (Raimondo & von Staden, 2014).

Raimondo, D. & von Staden, L. 2014. Haworthia vlokii M.B.Bayer. 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.

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

Although exploitation is thought to be minimal, as it has a vulnerable population size, recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be poor.

Reference file

Haworthia vlokii Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf905.18 KB

haworthia _ eBay.pdf1.73 MB

Haworthia Auction.pdf848.24 KB

Haworthia Interest .pdf1.26 MB