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Moraea tortilis

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Iridaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species is known to be exploited. This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. Other Moraea species are known to be threatened by harvesting of wild individuals. Several species of this genus were among those confiscated from illegal plant collecting. As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size, recruitment and recovery from harvesting 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

According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is of Least Concern as it is widespread, known from more than 10 locations and is not declining (Goldblatt et al. 2006). This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Other Moraea species are known to be threatened by harvesting of wild individuals (Goldblatt et al. 2006; Goldblatt & Raimondo, 2006). This species and several others of this genus were among those confiscated from illegal plant collecting (Confiscation lists (2020-2022) provided by SANBI Karoo Desert Botanical Garden and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that this species may be at risk to exploitation.

Goldblatt, P., Naidoo, K. & Turner, R.C. 2006. Moraea tortilis Goldblatt. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Goldblatt, P., Manning, J.C. & Raimondo, D. 2006. Moraea angulata Goldblatt. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Goldblatt, P. & Raimondo, D. 2006. Moraea atropunctata Goldblatt. 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 10 locations (Goldblatt et al. 2006).

Goldblatt, P., Naidoo, K. & Turner, R.C. 2006. Moraea tortilis Goldblatt. 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.
Justification and references

Whole individuals are recorded in confiscations.

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

This species is known to be exploited. However as it is of Least Concern and widespread (Goldblatt et al. 2006), recruitment and recovery may be possible.

Goldblatt, P., Naidoo, K. & Turner, R.C. 2006. Moraea tortilis Goldblatt. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Reference file
Moraea tortilis Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf515.14 KB
moraea.pdf669.68 KB