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Scientific Name | Conophytum khamiesbergense (L.Bolus) Schwantes |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | AIZOACEAE |
Synonyms | Berrisfordia khamiesbergensis L.Bolus |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Endangered B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) |
Assessment Date | 2020/02/08 |
Assessor(s) | A.J. Young, D. Raimondo & L. Jabar |
Justification | An endemic to the Namaqualand region of South Africa, this species is a highly localized habitat specialist with an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 73 km² and an area of occupancy (AOO) of 20 km². It is known from five locations and there is ongoing decline as result of illegal collecting and degradation of this species habitat due to livestock overgrazing and trampling. It therefore qualifies as Endangered under criterion B. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Northern Cape |
Range | information redacted, contact SANBI |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Kamiesberg Mountains Shrubland, Namaqualand Granite Renosterveld, Kamiesberg Granite Fynbos |
Description | Lichen-covered granite domes at high altitude. |
Threats |
| This taxon is a highly unusual Conophytum popular in cultivation. Collection of plants from the wild was a threat in the past, and there is recent evidence of illegal harvest and trade once again taking place. Since March 2019 there has been a marked increase in the demand for Conophytum species coming from Asian countries and poaching has escalated significantly. Subpopulations in accessible places near roads are experiencing the most decline. Furthermore large areas of the Kamiesberg are communally owned, and severely overstocked with livestock. Livestock is causing ongoing degradation of its habitat. |
Population |
This species is a highly localized habitat specialist. It is known from five locations where it is locally abundant in suitable habitat. The population is estimated to exceed 5000 plants but is declining.
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Population trend | Decreasing |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Conophytum khamiesbergense (L.Bolus) Schwantes | VU D2 | Raimondo et al. (2009) | | Conophytum khamiesbergense (L.Bolus) Schwantes | Lower Risk - Least Concern | Victor (2002) | | Berrisfordia khamiesbergensis L.Bolus | Indeterminate | Hall et al. (1980) | |
Bibliography |
Hall, A.V., De Winter, M., De Winter, B. and Van Oosterhout, S.A.M. 1980. Threatened plants of southern Africa. South African National Scienctific Programmes Report 45. CSIR, Pretoria.
Hammer, S. 2002. Dumpling and his wife: New view of the genus Conophytum. EAE Creative Colour, Norwich.
Hammer, S.A. 1993. The genus Conophytum: A conograph. Succulent Plant Publications, Pretoria.
Raimondo, D., von Staden, L., Foden, W., Victor, J.E., Helme, N.A., Turner, R.C., Kamundi, D.A. and Manyama, P.A. 2009. Red List of South African Plants. Strelitzia 25. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
Snijman, D.A. 2013. Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 2: The extra Cape flora. Strelitzia 30. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
Victor, J.E. 2002. South Africa. In: J.S. Golding (ed), Southern African plant Red Data Lists. Southern African Botanical Diversity Network Report 14 (pp. 93-120), SABONET, Pretoria.
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Citation |
| Young, A.J., Raimondo, D. & Jabar, L. 2020. Conophytum khamiesbergense (L.Bolus) Schwantes. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2023/12/08 |
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