Pelargonium crassicaule

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Geraniaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This species is known to be wild collected to an insignificant extent. Several others of the genus are known to be targeted, exploited and illegally removed from the wild, causing population decline. Evidence shows that the pelargonium genus is in demand in international horticultural trade. As this taxon does not have a vulnerable population size and cuttings and seeds are removed, recruitment and recovery may be possible.
Exploitation extent
Significant - wild individuals of the species are known to be exploited, collected, traded or utilized in a targeted manner, and utilisation is widespread, affects the majority of wild populations and/or is causing rapid decline of the wild population.
Justification and references

According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is of Least Concern as it is has a restricted range but is fairly common and not experiencing significant threat (von Staden, 2015).This taxon is known to be collected via cuttings and seed (van der Walt, R personal communication, 12 August 2022). Climate change and mining is thought to potentially have a bigger impact on the species (van der Walt, R personal communication, 12 August 2022). This genus is 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 this species and others of the Pelargonium genus from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2018-2022) provided by Cape Nature, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden, SANBI Kirstenbosch, Karoo Desert and Pretoria Botanical Gardens). 

von Staden, L. 2015. Pelargonium crassicaule L'Hér. 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 is thought to be fairly common in its restricted range however is more restricted in South Africa than Namibia (von Staden, 2015).

von Staden, L. 2015. Pelargonium crassicaule L'Hér. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. 

Targeted demographics
Mature (breeding) and immature individuals are not killed, are not significantly weakened (the harvesting methods do not do harm), and are not permanently removed from the wild.
Justification and references

Cuttings and seeds are known to be removed from the wild (van der Walt, R personal communication, 12 August 2022).

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 taxon does not have a vulnerable population size and cuttings and seeds are removed, recruitment and recovery may be possible.