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Scientific Name | Polhillia groenewaldii du Preez |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | FABACEAE |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Critically Endangered D |
Assessment Date | 2022/11/22 |
Assessor(s) | B. du Preez & H. Mtshali |
Justification | A very localized, recently described species known from a single location, with an extent of occurrence (EOO) and an area of occupancy (AOO) of 4 km². It is possible that undiscovered subpopulations exist as much of the area in which it occurs is still in a natural state and is poorly explored. However, the only known subpopulation consists of four mature individuals and is stable. Monitoring is required to confirm whether it is more widespread and if there are any threats present. It is therefore listed as Critically Endangered under criteria D. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Western Cape |
Range | This species has a restricted distribution range between Stormsvlei and Bonnievale in Western Cape, South Africa. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Breede Shale Renosterveld |
Description | This woody shrub grows up to 1.2 m tall on south facing slopes in vegetation dominated by shrubs and succulents. |
Threats |
| There has been 20% loss of habitat in the past due to agriculture and infrastructure development. This species seems not to be facing any direct threat at present, but plants are growing in an old canal on a road verge. It is possible that plants are persisting here due to the collection of rainwater in the canal and the remaining area may have become too dry for the species to survive. Climate change may further add pressure on the future survival of this species (du Preez et. al., 2021). |
Population |
This recently described species is currently known from a single, small population consisting of four mature individuals. Much of the area where this species is found is still in a natural state and it is botanically poorly explored. A wide scale surveys of the area may reveal more subpopulations (du Preez et. al.,2021). The population trend is stable, and the population seems not be affected by any direct threats at present.
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Population trend | Stable |
Citation |
| du Preez, B. & Mtshali, H. 2022. Polhillia groenewaldii du Preez. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2024/10/08 |
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