Haworthiopsis coarctata var. adelaidensis

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Asphodelaceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

This taxon has been seen online in cultivation and is thought to be a potential target to wild collection for horticultural trade. Several others of the genus are known to be targeted, exploited and illegally removed from the wild, causing population decline. Evidence shows that the Haworthiopsis genus is in demand in international horticultural trade. Few known subpopulations makes this species vulnerable to population loss. Releasing data on this species can 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

This variety is not evaluated on the SANBI Red List. This taxon has been seen online in cultivation and is thought to be a potential target to wild collection for horticultural trade (S. Molteno, personal communication, 12 August 2022). This taxon is also found in accessible habitat and may be a potential target for medicinal use too (S. Molteno, personal communication, 12 August 2022). Several others of the genus were among those targeted and confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2019-2022) provided by Cape Nature, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and SANBI Karoo Desert Botanic Garden). This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. This taxon is widespread and variable with a number of varieties and forms with vulnerable populations (S. Molteno, personal communication, 12 August 2022). This taxon is also found in accessible habitat (S. Molteno, personal communication, 12 August 2022).

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 is known from 7 subpopulations (S. Molteno, personal communication, 12 August 2022).

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

Few known subpopulations with threats of exploitation makes this variety vulnerable to population loss. Recruitment and recovery may be poor.

Reference file

haworthiopsis _ eBay.pdf447.72 KB

Haworthiopsis search results.pdf1.42 MB

Haworthiopsis.pdf1.91 MB