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Pelargonium plurisectum

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010
No
Family
Geraniaceae
Reason for the sensitivity status
This genus is in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade. Plants of this genus were among those targeted and confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. As this taxon 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 Vulnerable as it is threatened by habitat loss (Raimondo & Helme, 2007). 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 confiscated during criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting. There have been several recorded confiscations of Pelargonium species from illegal collection (Confiscation List (2018-2022) provided by Cape Nature, SANParks Sendelingsdrift Botanic Garden, SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and Karoo Desert Botanic Garden). This suggests that this genus is being targeted and that this species may be at risk.

Raimondo, D. & Helme, N.A. 2007. Pelargonium plurisectum Salter. 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 4700 km² and is known from less than 10 locations (Raimondo & Helme, 2007). More than 70% of its habitat has been transformed (Raimondo & Helme, 2007).

Raimondo, D. & Helme, N.A. 2007. Pelargonium plurisectum Salter. 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 taxon does not have a vulnerable population size, were exploitation to occur, recruitment and recovery may be possible.

Reference file
Pelargonium plurisectum Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf543.31 KB
Pelargonium.pdf408.87 KB
Pelargonium2.pdf561.91 KB
Pelargonium3.pdf854.01 KB