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Scientific Name | Leucospermum gracile (Salisb. ex Knight) Rourke |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | PROTEACEAE |
Synonyms | Leucospermum stenanthum Schltr. |
Common Names | Hermanus Pincushion (e) |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Near Threatened B1b(iii,v)+2b(iii,v) |
Assessment Date | 2020/06/18 |
Assessor(s) | A.G. Rebelo, H. Mtshali & L. von Staden |
Justification | Leucospermum gracile has a very limited distribution range, with an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 782 km², and an area of occupancy (AOO) of 232 km². It is common across its range, and occurs at more than 10 locations. A continuing decline is inferred from spreading alien invasive plants that are increasing in density to such an extent that they are outcompeting native species in some parts of this species' range. It therefore nearly meets the thresholds for Vulnerable under criterion B and is listed as Near Threatened. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Western Cape |
Range | This species is endemic to South Africa, and is found from Kleinrivier Mountains to Bredasdorp in the Western Cape Province. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Overberg Sandstone Fynbos |
Description | It occurs in rocky outcrops on south-facing sandstone slopes, 100-900 m. Mature individuals are killed by fires, and only seeds survive. Seeds are released after ripening, and dispersed by ants to their underground nests, where they are protected from predation and fire. It is pollinated by birds. |
Threats |
| A small proportion (10%) of this species' habitat was lost to coastal development and agricultural expansion in the past. It is currently threatened by competition from alien invasive plants in some parts of the range. As a reseeder, Leucospermum gracile is potentially vulnerable to too frequent fires. |
Population |
This a is common species, occurring in dense scattered stands within suitable habitat. Population decline is inferred from habitat loss and degradation.
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Population trend | Decreasing |
Conservation |
| It is protected in Babilonstoring and Fernkloof Nature Reserves and Vogelgat Private Nature Reserve. |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Leucospermum gracile (Salisb. ex Knight) Rourke | NT A2c | Raimondo et al. (2009) | |
Bibliography |
Goldblatt, P. and Manning, J.C. 2000. Cape Plants: A conspectus of the Cape Flora of South Africa. Strelitzia 9. National Botanical Institute, Cape Town.
Manning, J.C. and Goldblatt, P. 2012. Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 1: The Core Cape Flora. Strelitzia 29. 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.
Rebelo, T. 2001. Sasol Proteas: A field guide to the proteas of southern Africa. (2nd ed.). Fernwood Press, Vlaeberg, Cape Town.
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Citation |
| Rebelo, A.G., Mtshali, H. & von Staden, L. 2020. Leucospermum gracile (Salisb. ex Knight) Rourke. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/04/13 |
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