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Haworthiopsis scabra var. scabra

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Asphodelaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This taxon is known to be wild collected for the horticultural trade. It is is widespread and variable with some distinct forms being sensitive and/or targeted. 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, recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be possible.
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

This variety is not Red List evaluated. This taxon is widespread and variable with 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, 12 August 2022). This type variety is known to be wild collected for the horticultural trade as is horticulturally attractive due to its variable forms (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. 

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 43 subpopulations and several unique subpopulations have not been accorded taxonomic recognition (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 fast population growth rate, and there is a good chance the wild populations will recover from exploitation.
Justification and references

As this variety does not have a vulnerable population size, recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be possible.

Reference file
haworthiopsis _ eBay.pdf447.72 KB
Haworthiopsis search results.pdf1.42 MB
Haworthiopsis.pdf1.91 MB