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Scientific Name | Psoralea cataracta C.H.Stirt. |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | FABACEAE |
Synonyms | Hallia filiformis Harv. |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Critically Endangered B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii) |
Assessment Date | 2022/12/08 |
Assessor(s) | D. Raimondo, C.H. Stirton & D. van der Colff |
Justification | This species was believed to be extinct after extensive searches over the years. Its existence was known only through a vague locality description from specimens collected in the late 1700s. However, a rediscovery in 2019 occurred following targeted searches in an area believed to be the original collection site. The species is now known from a very restricted habitat (<8 km² extent of occurrence and area of occupancy) and one location on the slopes of the Winterhoek Mountains, near Tulbagh.
The species is threatened by spreading alien invasive species, expanding orchards encroaching up the mountains, and this could result in further habitat loss. It is, therefore, assessed as CR B1ab(iii)+B2ab(iii). |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Western Cape |
Range | It occurs on southern slopes of Wintershoek Mountains, Tulbagh Valley, South Africa. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Breede Shale Fynbos |
Description | Plants grow in stream sides and slopes, in Breede Shale Fynbos. |
Threats |
| The species' habitat is actively threatened by expanding agricultural activities and impacts from aliens (Acacia mearnsii, Pinus sp.) that have spread onto the mountain slopes. It is, however, easily overlooked and only present in the first few years post-fire, then remains in the soil seed bank. More subpopulations may be extant on neighbouring properties, and more widespread searches in the area are needed to determine the true extent of its distribution. |
Population |
The population occurs in small stands of about 10-100 plants. It is likely to be common after fire, therefore estimating the population size is not possible. However, the population trend is inferred to be declining due to habitat degradation and loss to cultivation.
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Population trend | Decreasing |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Psoralea cataracta C.H.Stirt. | Extinct | Raimondo et al. (2009) | | Psoralea cataracta C.H.Stirt. | Extinct | Hilton-Taylor (1996) | |
Bibliography |
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.
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Citation |
| Raimondo, D., Stirton, C.H. & van der Colff, D. 2022. Psoralea cataracta C.H.Stirt. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/07/01 |
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