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Orbea elegans

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Apocynaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. Several species of this genus were among those targeted and confiscated from illegal plant collecting. A small population size with existing threat makes this species vulnerable to further population loss. Recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be poor. Releasing data on this species could exacerbate threat and vulnerability.
This species is either similar to another sensitive species or belongs to a group containing sensitive species, and is extremely rare in the wild. The localities of wild populations need to be protected to avoid loss to exploitation, which, due to its rarity, could drive the species to extinction within a very short time.
Exploitation extent
Uncertain - No data exists yet showing that this species is exploited in the wild, however it has one or more relatives or look-alike species (found in South Africa or globally) that are known to be utilised. This species has a similar life form or other relevant traits to its exploited relative(s), making it highly likely that it would be exploited for the same purposes.
Justification and references

According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct) as it is described form a single plant at a location that is now degraded from livestock overgrazing and erosion (Winter & von Staden, 2008). 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. Another species in this genus is known to be threatened by collection of wild individuals (Victor et al. 2005). Several species of this genus were among those targeted and confiscated from illegal plant collecting (Confiscation lists (2019-2021) provided by SANBI Karoo Desert Botanical Garden and Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden). This suggests that this genus may be targeted and that endangered species of this genus can be at risk to collection and removal from the wild.

Victor, J.E., Styles, D. & Scott-Shaw, C.R. 2005. Orbea woodii (N.E.Br.) L.C.Leach. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Winter, P.J.D. & von Staden, L. 2008. Orbea elegans Plowes. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

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 a single plant at one location and has not been relocated  (Winter & von Staden, 2008).

Winter, P.J.D. & von Staden, L. 2008. Orbea elegans Plowes. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Targeted demographics
Unknown.
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

As this species occurs at a single location and may be extinct due to failure to relocate (Winter & von Staden, 2008), it is highly vulnerable to population loss. If exploitation were to occur, recruitment and recovery may not be possible.

Winter, P.J.D. & von Staden, L. 2008. Orbea elegans Plowes. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Reference file
orbea plant _ eBay_4.pdf1.21 MB
orbea plant _ eBay.pdf1.21 MB
Orbea elegans Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf540.75 KB