Orbea gerstneri subsp. elongata | SANBI Sensitive Species

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Apocynaceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

This taxon is potentially threatened with illegal harvesting of individuals from the wild. 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 potential threat makes this taxon vulnerable to further population loss. Recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be poor. Releasing data on this subspecies could exacerbate threat and vulnerability.

This species is either similar to 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 Rare as it is known from four sites and is potentially threatened with illegal harvesting of individuals from the wild (Winter & Victor, 2005). 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 of 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 rare 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. & Victor, J.E. 2005. Orbea gerstneri (Letty) Bruyns subsp. elongata (R.A.Dyer) Bruyns. 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 four sites (Winter & Victor, 2005).

Winter, P.J.D. & Victor, J.E. 2005. Orbea gerstneri (Letty) Bruyns subsp. elongata (R.A.Dyer) Bruyns. 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

A small population size with potential threat makes this taxon vulnerable to further population loss. Recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be poor.

Reference file

orbea plant _ eBay_4.pdf1.21 MB

orbea plant _ eBay.pdf1.21 MB

Orbea gerstneri subsp. elongata Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf535.4 KB