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Oxalis melanograpta

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Oxalidaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species is horticulturally desirable and could be a potential target to illegal collection from the wild. Several others of the genus are known to be targeted, exploited and illegally removed from the wild, causing population decline. Evidence shows that the Oxalis genus is in demand in international horticultural trade. This species is localized but fairly common with a large population and so 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 Critically Rare as it is highly localized and not threatened (Dreyer et al. 2012). This genus is increasing in demand and of popular 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/or confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. There have been several recorded confiscations of species of the Oxalis genus from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2020) provided by Cape Nature). This species is horticulturally desirable and could be a potential target to illegal collection from the wild (Personal communication, K. Oberlander, 9 August 2022).

Dreyer, L.L., Oberlander, K.C., Raimondo, D. & von Staden, L. 2012. Oxalis melanograpta T.M.Salter. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version

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 1 km² (Dreyer et al. 2012). Since this 2012 assessment, it has been discovered to be more common with a large population that is not thought to be of vulnerable size (Personal communication, K. Oberlander, 9 August 2022).

Dreyer, L.L., Oberlander, K.C., Raimondo, D. & von Staden, L. 2012. Oxalis melanograpta T.M.Salter. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version

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

This species is localized but fairly common with a large population and so were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be possible.

Reference file
Oxalis Aucfan.pdf1.24 MB
oxalis _ eBay.pdf911.17 KB
Oxalis melanograpta Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf538.56 KB