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Orbea longii

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. Another species of this genus is known to be threatened by collection of wild individuals. As this species does not have a vulnerable population size, were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be possible.
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 range restricted and not threatened due to the inaccessibility of its habitat (Victor, 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. 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. 2006. Orbea longii (C.A.Lückh.) Bruyns. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

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. 

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 has an extent of occurrence of less than 500 km² and its population size is unknown (Victor, 2006).

Victor, J.E. 2006. Orbea longii (C.A.Lückh.) Bruyns. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Targeted demographics
Unknown.
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 species does not have a vulnerable population size, were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be possible. 

Reference file
Orbea longii Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf536.22 KB
orbea plant _ eBay_4.pdf1.21 MB
orbea plant _ eBay.pdf1.21 MB