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Scientific Name | Conophytum youngii Rodgerson |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | AIZOACEAE |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Critically Endangered B1ab(v)+2ab(v) |
Assessment Date | 2020/02/05 |
Assessor(s) | A.J. Young & D. Raimondo |
Justification | A highly restricted range and recently discovered species known from a single location in Namaqualand South Africa. It occupies an area of less than 2 km² and has and extent of occurrence (EOO) and an area of occupancy (EOO) of 4 km². There are severe and rapid declines to this species taking place as a result of illegal harvesting for the succulent trade. Individual plants fetch high prices. Collecting pressure has dramatically increased since March 2019 as a result of demand for Conophytum species coming from Asian countries. This species therefore qualifies as Critically 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 | Namaqualand Klipkoppe Shrubland |
Description | Lichen and moss-filled cracks on south-facing sides of granite domes. |
Threats |
| This is a highly sought after species in cultivation, with plants currently fetching high prices. Illegal collection is a major extinction threat to the single small, localised, population of plants. Furthermore there are active granite quarries in the vicinity of the type locality, and the population is at further risk from habitat loss, should there be expansion of quarrying activities to the granite dome where it occurs. |
Population |
This recently discovered species is known from a single, large subpopulation consisting of several thousand individuals. It belongs to a small group of spring-flowering Conophytums (most species flower in autumn), which may explain why it has been overlooked until now, despite its habitat being well-explored. Its quite likely occurs on other similar granite domes in the area, but thus far, no more subpopulations have been found. Plants are extremely cryptic when not in flower, and may be easily overlooked. The population is currently stable, but is highly vulnerable due to its extremely localized distribution.
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Population trend | Decreasing |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Conophytum youngii Rodgerson | VU D2 | 2017.1 | |
Bibliography |
Rodgerson, C. 2012. The National Road and another new Conophytum. CactusWorld 30(4):239-244.
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Citation |
| Young, A.J. & Raimondo, D. 2020. Conophytum youngii Rodgerson. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2023/12/04 |
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