Haworthiopsis reinwardtii var. reinwardtii

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Asphodelaceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

This species and its varieties are known to be wild collected for the horticultural trade. This taxon is variable with some distinct forms being sensitive to exploitation. 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. As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size and the exploitation is overall minimal, recruitment and recovery may be possible.

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 taxon is known to be targeted and wild collected for the horticultural trade to an insignificant extent (S. Molteno, personal communication, 30 August 2022). This taxon is variable whereby there are a number of regional forms that have not received widespread taxonomic recognition. Some of the more distinct forms may be sensitive/targeted (S. Molteno, personal communication, 30 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 in demand and of popular interest in horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites.

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 over 30 subpopulations (S. Molteno, personal communication, 30 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 fast population growth rate, and there is a good chance the wild populations will recover from exploitation.

Justification and references

As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size and the exploitation is overall minimal, recruitment and recovery may be possible.

Reference file

haworthiopsis _ eBay.pdf447.72 KB

Haworthiopsis search results.pdf1.42 MB

Haworthiopsis.pdf1.91 MB