Taxonomy
Scientific Name
Drimia hyacinthoides Baker
Higher Classification
Monocotyledons
Family
HYACINTHACEAE
National Status
Status and Criteria
Near Threatened B1ab(iii)
Assessment Date
2019/02/27
Assessor(s)
L. von Staden
Justification
Drimia hyacinthoides has a restricted range, with an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 9111 km²). It is known from 10 locations, but it is highly likely that it exists at more locations as the northern and eastern parts of its distribution range remains poorly explored. Continuing decline is inferred from ongoing habitat loss and degradation.
Distribution
Endemism
South African endemic
Provincial distribution
Eastern Cape
Range
This species is endemic to the Eastern Cape, where it occurs between East London, Grahamstown and Alexandria.
Habitat and Ecology
Major system
Terrestrial
Major habitats
Grahamstown Grassland Thicket, Bedford Dry Grassland, Doubledrift Karroid Thicket, Buffels Valley Thicket, Buffels Mesic Thicket
Description
It occurs in grassland and open thicket, sometimes in the shelter of bushes.
Threats
This species has lost habitat to urban expansion around Grahamstown and East London, and loss continues. Around Alexandria and the area east of Grahamstown large areas of suitable habitat has been lost to crop cultivation. However north of Grahamstown and between King William's Town and East London most of this species' habitat is still intact. This area is botanically poorly explored, and it is likely that still undiscovered subpopulation exist.
Population

There are very few records of this species, and it was last recorded in 1958. Its distribution range is poorly explored, and field surveys are needed to relocate it in the wild. It is possibly more common than records suggest. A continuing population decline is inferred from ongoing habitat loss and degradation.


Population trend
Decreasing
Assessment History
Taxon assessed
Status and Criteria
Citation/Red List version
Drimia hyacinthoides BakerNT B1ab(iii)2020.1
Drimia hyacinthoides BakerRare Raimondo et al. (2009)
Bibliography

Manning, J.C. and Goldblatt, P. 2018. Systematics of Drimia Jacq. (Hyacinthaceae: Urgineoideae) in southern Africa. Strelitzia 40. South African National Biodiversity 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
von Staden, L. 2019. Drimia hyacinthoides Baker. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2024/11/05

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Distribution map


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