Taxonomy
Scientific Name
Babiana torta G.J.Lewis
Higher Classification
Monocotyledons
Family
IRIDACEAE
National Status
Status and Criteria
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2021/03/18
Assessor(s)
D. Raimondo & T. Patel
Justification
This species was previously thought to be rare, but recent field surveys have indicated that it is fairly common in rocky granite habitats in Namaqualand and it is known from at least 12 locations. It flowers early in the season and was previously overlooked. It has no known threats and is therefore listed as Least Concern.
Distribution
Endemism
South African endemic
Provincial distribution
Northern Cape, Western Cape
Range
This species is endemic to South Africa, where it occurs across Namaqualand and extends from Springbok to Kliprand in Northern Cape to Nuwerus in the Western Cape.
Habitat and Ecology
Major system
Terrestrial
Major habitats
Succulent Karoo
Description
It occurs mainly in rock crevices in granite outcrops or granitic gravel, occasionally in deep sands.
Threats
This species has no known threats.
Population

Plants are common in granite crevices. The population is not declining.


Population trend
Stable
Assessment History
Taxon assessed
Status and Criteria
Citation/Red List version
Babiana torta G.J.LewisLeast Concern Raimondo et al. (2009)
Babiana torta G.J.LewisInsufficiently Known Hilton-Taylor (1996)
Babiana torta G.J.LewisUncertain 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.


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
Raimondo, D. & Patel, T. 2021. Babiana torta G.J.Lewis. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/06/28

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Distribution map

© J.C. Manning


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