Assessor: Sarah Schumann
According to the SANBI Red List Assessment, this species is of Least Concern as it is not endemic to South Africa, widespread, common and not thought to be threatened (von Staden, 2015). This genus is currently in demand and of popular interest in international horticultural trade, as indicated by several online marketplace, e-commerce and auction sites. Other species of this genus are known to be threatened by collection of wild individuals for horticultural trade (von Staden & van Wyk, 2015). This species and others of the genus were among those targeted and confiscated during recent criminal prosecutions of illegal plant collecting (Confiscation Lists (2021-2022) provided by SANBI Kirstenbosch Botanical Garden and the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment). This may threaten this species with collection and removal from the wild.
von Staden, L. 2015. Portulacaria fruticulosa (H.Pearson & Stephens) Bruyns & Klak. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
von Staden, L. & Van Wyk, P.C.V. 2015. Portulacaria pygmaea Pillans. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
Specific population data on this species is not available although it is thought to be common, widespread and is not endemic to South Africa (von Staden, 2015).
von Staden, L. 2015. Portulacaria fruticulosa (H.Pearson & Stephens) Bruyns & Klak. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.
Whole individuals are removed from the wild.
Specific population data on this species is not available and so although this species is known to be exploited, regeneration potential cannot be deduced. However as this species is of Least Concern, widespread, common and not thought to be threatened (von Staden, 2015), recruitment and recovery from harvesting may be possible.
von Staden, L. 2015. Portulacaria fruticulosa (H.Pearson & Stephens) Bruyns & Klak. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1.