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Scientific Name | Protea tenax (Salisb.) R.Br. |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | PROTEACEAE |
Synonyms | Protea acaulis (L.) Reichard, Protea acaulis (L.) Reichard var. cockscombensis Archibald |
Common Names | Tenacious Sugarbush (e) |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Least Concern |
Assessment Date | 2019/06/13 |
Assessor(s) | A.G. Rebelo, H. Mtshali & L. von Staden |
Justification | Protea tenax is a range-restricted species, with an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 16 048 km², and area of occupancy (AOO) of 912 km². It is locally fairly common across its range and while some decline is taking place, it is not in danger of extinction. It is therefore listed as Least Concern. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Eastern Cape, Western Cape |
Range | This species is known from Outeniqua, Tsitsikamma, eastern Groot Swartberg, Kammanassie, Kouga, Baviaanskloof and Winterhoek mountains, in the Western and Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Kouga Grassy Sandstone Fynbos, Kouga Sandstone Fynbos, South Kammanassie Sandstone Fynbos, North Kammanassie Sandstone Fynbos, South Swartberg Sandstone Fynbos, North Swartberg Sandstone Fynbos, Tsitsikamma Sandstone Fynbos, South Outeniqua Sandstone Fynbos, North Outeniqua Sandstone Fynbos |
Description | It is found in montane fynbos, on variable soils, 100-1800 m. Mature individuals are killed by fires, and only seeds survive. Wind-dispersed seeds are stored in fire-resistant inflorescences, and released after fires. It is pollinated by rodents. |
Threats |
| There has been at least a 14% loss of habitat in the past due to agriculture and human settlements. Further loss of habitat was witnessed during the construction of wind turbines and roads between 2012 and 2014 near Jeffreys Bay in the Eastern Cape. Habitat degradation due to grazing livestock and competition from alien invasive plants is ongoing. |
Population |
Many subpopulations are sparse and only contain a few plants, but this might be due to its cryptic habit, rather than possible population declines. The population is widespread but is declining slowly due to habitat loss and degradation.
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Population trend | Decreasing |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Protea tenax (Salisb.) R.Br. | Least Concern | 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. 2019. Protea tenax (Salisb.) R.Br. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2024/10/06 |
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