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Haworthiopsis sordida

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Asphodelaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species and its varieties are known to be wild collected for the horticultural trade, causing population decline. Several others of the genus are known to be targeted, exploited and illegally removed from the wild. Evidence shows that the Haworthiopsis genus is in demand in international horticultural trade. Few known subpopulations and ongoing decline makes this taxon vulnerable to population loss. Releasing data on this species could exacerbate threat and vulnerability.
This species is threatened by widespread, unregulated, unsustainable exploitation of wild populations. The localities of remaining populations need to be protected to avoid any further exploitation, which is likely to drive it to extinction.
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

According to the SANBI Red List assessment, this species is Near Threatened as it is rare, range restricted, and experiencing population decline due to habitat degradation (Vlok et al. 2014). This taxon is known to be targeted and wild collected for the horticultural trade (S. Molteno, personal communication, 12 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, 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 in demand and of popular interest in horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. 

Vlok, J.H., Helme, N.A., Marx, G., Raimondo, D. & von Staden, L. 2014. Haworthiopsis sordida (Haw.) G.D.Rowley. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

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 14 subpopulations (S. Molteno, personal communication, 12 August 2022). It has an extent of occurrence of 2925 km² (Vlok et al. 2014).

Vlok, J.H., Helme, N.A., Marx, G., Raimondo, D. & von Staden, L. 2014. Haworthiopsis sordida (Haw.) G.D.Rowley. 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

Harvesting and other existing threats causing population decline, makes this species vulnerable to population loss. Recruitment and recovery may be poor.

Reference file
haworthiopsis _ eBay.pdf447.72 KB
Haworthiopsis sordida Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf547.9 KB
Haworthiopsis search results.pdf1.42 MB
Haworthiopsis.pdf1.91 MB