|
Scientific Name | Acanthopsis insueta H.M.Steyn |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | ACANTHACEAE |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Critically Rare |
Assessment Date | 2017/04/10 |
Assessor(s) | L. von Staden & H.M. Steyn |
Justification | A highly localized Richtersveld endemic (EOO <10 km²). Its habitat is well-protected and it is not in danger of extinction. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Northern Cape |
Range | Southern Richtersveld, Vyftienmyl-se-Berg. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Succulent Karoo |
Description | Well-drained sandy soils among quartzite rocks on mountain slopes and summits, 230-450 m. |
Threats |
| There are no severe threats to this species. Its entire range falls within a formally protected area. Elsewhere in the Richtersveld overstocking of communal rangelands have led to severe degradation of the natural vegetation, with a significant loss of plant species diversity in many places. The site where this species occurs is however fenced off and livestock is kept out to protect the many local endemics to this mountain.
The site is targeted for illegal wild collection of plants for sale in the specialist horticultural market. Acanthopsis species are however not targeted by collectors, and plant collection is unlikely to be a threat. |
Population |
This species is known from a small area on the northern section of the summit of Vyftienmyl-se-Berg. This inselberg is known for its many local endemics, and is therefore likely that it is endemic to this mountain. As there are no severe threats, the population is not suspected to be declining.
|
Population trend | Stable |
Bibliography |
Steyn, H.M. and Van Wyk, A.E. 2017. Taxonomic notes on Acanthopsis (Acanthaceae, tribe Acantheae): the group with semi-dense spikes and 5-fid bracts. Phytotaxa 324(2):101-121.
|
Citation |
| von Staden, L. & Steyn, H.M. 2017. Acanthopsis insueta H.M.Steyn. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2023/12/08 |
Comment on this assessment
