Pelargonium suburbanum subsp. suburbanum

Assessor: Sarah Schumann

Sensitive in 2010

Family

Geraniaceae

Reason for the sensitivity status

This taxon is not known to be collected. 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 collection is not thought to be occurring and it does not have vulnerable population size, it is not sensitive.

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 subspecies is Vulnerable as it is threatened by habitat loss (Victor & Dold, 2007). This taxon is not known to be collected (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 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).

Victor, J.E. & Dold, A.P. 2007. Pelargonium suburbanum Clifford ex C.Boucher subsp. suburbanum. 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 2400 km² and is known from less than 10 locations (Victor & Dold, 2007). More than 30% of its habitat has been transformed.

Victor, J.E. & Dold, A.P. 2007. Pelargonium suburbanum Clifford ex C.Boucher subsp. suburbanum. 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 collection is not thought to be occurring and it does not have vulnerable population size, it is not sensitive.

Reference file

Pelargonium _ eBay.pdf561.91 KB

Pelargonium African Succulents.pdf408.87 KB

Pelargonium Aucfan.pdf854.01 KB

Pelargonium suburbanum subsp. suburbanum Threatened Species Programme _ SANBI Red List of South African Plants.pdf760.02 KB