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Scientific Name | Conophytum blandum L.Bolus |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | AIZOACEAE |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Vulnerable B1ab(iii,v) |
Assessment Date | 2020/02/10 |
Assessor(s) | A.J. Young, S.A. Hammer & L. von Staden |
Justification | A range-restricted species to the Northern Cape, South Africa (extent of occurrence 352 km²), this species is known from between five and 10 locations, and its habitat is declining as a result of livestock overgrazing. Furthermore, certain subpopulations are declining due to collection for the specialist succulent horticultural trade. It therefore qualifies as Vulnerable under criterion B1. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Northern Cape |
Range | information redacted, contact SANBI |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Nama Karoo, Succulent Karoo |
Description | Cracks and fissures of large quartz blocks on arid hills and Bushmanland inselbergs. |
Threats |
| Grazing and trampling by livestock is a threat to some subpopulations. Recently, there has been renewed interest in mining of mineral rich inselbergs in the area. There are no known mining or prospecting applications at any of this species' locations, but it is a potential threat. Some localised forms are popular in cultivation and a number of subpopulations are declining due to illegal collection. |
Population |
This species has a limited distribution range, but is very common across several quartz inselbergs, with subpopulations consisting of >5000 individuals. The population is declining due to habitat degradation and illegal collecting.
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Population trend | Decreasing |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Conophytum blandum L.Bolus | NT D2 | Raimondo et al. (2009) | | Conophytum blandum L.Bolus | Lower Risk - Near Threatened | Victor (2002) | | Conophytum blandum L.Bolus | Rare | Hilton-Taylor (1996) | |
Bibliography |
Bolus, H.M.L. 1936-1958. Notes on Mesembryanthemum and allied genera Part III. University of Cape Town, Bolus Herbarium, Cape Town.
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.
Hilton-Taylor, C. 1996. Red data list of southern African plants. Strelitzia 4. South African National Botanical Institute, 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., Hammer, S.A. & von Staden, L. 2020. Conophytum blandum L.Bolus. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2023/12/04 |
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