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Scientific Name | Vexatorella obtusata (Thunb.) Rourke subsp. obtusata |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | PROTEACEAE |
Synonyms | Leucospermum obtusatum (Thunb.) E.Phillips (in part), Leucospermum obtusatum (Thunb.) E.Phillips subsp. obtusatum |
Common Names | Montagu Vexator (e) |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Least Concern |
Assessment Date | 2019/07/01 |
Assessor(s) | A.G. Rebelo, H. Mtshali & L. von Staden |
Justification | Vexatorella obtusata subsp. obtusata has a limited distribution range in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, with an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 2375 km², and an area of occupancy (AOO) of 336 km². It is however locally common within its range, and has no severe threats. Habitat degradation due to alien invasive plants is likely to be a threat. It is not yet in danger of extinction and is therefore listed as Least Concern. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Western Cape |
Range | It is endemic to the mountains of the Western Cape Province, South Africa, where it occurs in the Hex River and Bokkerivier mountains, Keeromsberg and Kwadousberg, extending along the Langeberg to the Koo Valley and the Waboomsberg. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | South Langeberg Sandstone Fynbos, North Langeberg Sandstone Fynbos, Matjiesfontein Quartzite Fynbos, Montagu Shale Fynbos |
Description | It occurs in arid fynbos on sandstone soils, 300-1800 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 insects. |
Threats |
| About 6% of the subspecies' habitat is irreversibly modified due to habitat loss to crop cultivation. There are no significant severe ongoing threats. However, alien invasive plants are present in low density. They are likely to be a threat if left unmanaged.
Another slight potential threat is invasive ant species that are displacing native ant species. Invasive ants do not perform the function of indigenous ants, which is to bury this species' seeds in their nests where they are protected from fire. |
Population |
It is locally common in occurring as many stands of scattered plants. Most of the subpopulations are dense with high numbers of individuals.
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Population trend | Stable |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Vexatorella obtusata (Thunb.) Rourke subsp. obtusata | Least Concern | Raimondo et al. (2009) | |
Bibliography |
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. Vexatorella obtusata (Thunb.) Rourke subsp. obtusata. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/01/25 |
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