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Othonna petiolaris

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Asteraceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This taxon is deemed not sensitive. Evidence shows that the Othonna genus is in high demand in international trade for ornamental and horticultural purposes with individuals from several species being illegally removed. Although the genus is being targeted, this species is not known to be threatened and it's population size is not small therefore regeneration potential and recovery from exploitation is possible with recruitment from the many remaining individuals in the wild.
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 Near Threatened as it is has lost 36% of its habitat to crop cultivation and is ongoing (Raimondo & von Staden, 2018). This genus is in demand and of interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2018, 2021) provided by Cape Nature, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden, SANBI Karoo Desert Botanic Garden, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden and Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this species may be threatened.

Raimondo, D. & von Staden, L. 2018. Othonna petiolaris DC. 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 3195 km² and is known from 16-20 locations but has lost 36% of its habitat and rapid habitat loss continues (Raimondo & von Staden, 2018). It is common and relatively widespread with an estimated population size of more than 5,000 individuals in the wild (Helme, N, personal communication 2022, 25 January).

Raimondo, D. & von Staden, L. 2018. Othonna petiolaris DC. 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

Few known locations of occurrence with existing threat causing population decline (Raimondo & von Staden, 2018), places the persistence of this species at risk. Were exploitation to also occur, recruitment and recovery may be poor.

Raimondo, D. & von Staden, L. 2018. Othonna petiolaris DC. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.

Reference file
Raimondo & von Staden 2018 Othonna petiolaris Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf628.72 KB
Othanna african succulents 1.pdf535.16 KB
Othonna african succulents 2.pdf529.61 KB
Othonna african succulents 3.pdf531.1 KB
Othonna Aucfan.pdf818.38 KB