Taxonomy
Scientific Name
Babiana stenomera Schltr.
Higher Classification
Monocotyledons
Family
IRIDACEAE
National Status
Status and Criteria
Rare
Assessment Date
2021/04/15
Assessor(s)
N.A. Helme & D. Raimondo
Justification
This narrow endemic of Kareeberge has a very restricted range (extent of occurrence 8 km²). It is known from one location, and it has no threats. It is therefore listed as Rare nationally and qualifies under the IUCN 3.1. criteria as Least Concern.
Distribution
Endemism
South African endemic
Provincial distribution
Western Cape
Range
This species is endemic to South Africa, and is found in the Western Cape Province, in Kareeberge near Nuwerus in southern Namaqualand.
Habitat and Ecology
Major system
Terrestrial
Major habitats
Namaqualand Heuweltjieveld
Description
It occurs in sandy granitic hills and clay soils, at ± 380 m.a.s.l.
Threats
There are no known threats to this species, and it does not appear to be affected by grazing.
Population

It is known from one subpopulation. The population is localized and abundant within suitable habitat, and is stable.


Population trend
Stable
Notes
This local endemic was previously known from a single 19th century collection by Schlechter from “Kareebergen” near Nuwerus. N.A. Helme rediscovered this species in 2009.
Assessment History
Taxon assessed
Status and Criteria
Citation/Red List version
Babiana stenomera Schltr.Critically Endangered (Possibly Extinct) Raimondo et al. (2009)
Babiana stenomera Schltr.Rare Hilton-Taylor (1996)
Babiana stenomera Schltr.Rare Hall et al. (1980)
Bibliography

Goldblatt, P. and Manning, J.C. 2007. A revision of the southern African genus Babiana, Iridaceae, Crocoideae. Strelitzia 18:1-97. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.


Goldblatt, P. and Manning, J.C. 2020. Iridaceae of southern Africa. Strelitzia 42. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.


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.


Hilton-Taylor, C. 1996. Red data list of southern African plants. Strelitzia 4. South African National Botanical Institute, Pretoria.


Lewis, G.J. 1959. The genus Babiana. Journal of South African Botany Supplement 3:1-149.


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.


Citation
Helme, N.A. & Raimondo, D. 2021. Babiana stenomera Schltr. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/04/19

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Distribution map


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