Taxonomy
Scientific Name
Conophytum hammeri G.Will. & H.C.Kenn.
Higher Classification
Dicotyledons
Family
AIZOACEAE
National Status
Status and Criteria
Vulnerable B1ab(v)+2ab(v)
Assessment Date
2020/02/11
Assessor(s)
A.J. Young & D. Raimondo
Justification
A range-restricted species from the Richtersveld region of South Africa, with an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 386 km² and an area of occupancy (AOO) of 48 km². Nine threat based locations are declining due to ongoing and escalating collecting for the specialist succulent horticultural trade. This species therefore qualifies for listing as Vulnerable 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
Succulent Karoo
Description
Gentle gravel quartz slopes, 310-650 m.
Threats
This species is popular in cultivation and is increasingly sought after. The cryptic nature of the plants affords this species some buffering against collection however steady ongoing decline is taking place due to collecting.
Population

This species is locally abundant, occurring in large subpopulations of hundreds to thousands of plants. Population size is estimated to be more than 20,000 individuals scattered across more than 10 subpopulations. The population is declining due to illegal harvesting.


Population trend
Decreasing
Assessment History
Taxon assessed
Status and Criteria
Citation/Red List version
Conophytum hammeri G.Will. & H.C.Kenn.Rare 2015.1
Conophytum hammeri G.Will. & H.C.Kenn.Critically Rare Raimondo et al. (2009)
Bibliography

Hammer, S. 2002. Dumpling and his wife: New view of the genus Conophytum. EAE Creative Colour, Norwich.


Hartmann, H.E.K. 2002. Illustrated handbook of succulent plants: Aizoaceae A-E. Springer, Berlin.


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.


Williamson, G. and Kennedy, H.C. 1997. A new Conophytum from the north-east Richtersveld. Cactus and Succulent Journal 69(4):205-208.


Citation
Young, A.J. & Raimondo, D. 2020. Conophytum hammeri G.Will. & H.C.Kenn. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2023/12/04

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Distribution map

© A.J. Young

© A.J. Young

© A.J. Young

© A.J. Young


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