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Scientific Name | Microdon linearis Choisy |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | SCROPHULARIACEAE |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Data Deficient - Taxonomically Problematic |
Assessment Date | 2016/10/03 |
Assessor(s) | L. von Staden |
Justification | Microdon linearis is a rare and poorly known species that is possibly at high risk of extinction. Taxonomic uncertainty around the validity of this species currently prevents assessment of its risk of extinction - it is possibly not sufficiently distinct from the widespread Microdon capitatus. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Western Cape |
Range | Swartland near Malmesbury and Mamre. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Fynbos |
Description | Sandy soils. |
Threats |
| This species is threatened by ongoing habitat loss and degradation, mainly due to dense, unmanaged infestations of alien invasive plants. Other threats include overgrazing around Mamre, urban expansion and crop cultivation. |
Population |
This poorly known species is possibly a rare, localized endemic to sandplain fynbos around Mamre and Malmesbury (Rolfe 1901), where it is likely to be at high risk of extinction due to severe habitat loss and degradation. There are only three known collections, the most recent dating from 1978.
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Population trend | Unknown |
Notes |
| Microdon was last revised in 1901 (Rolfe 1901). Hilliard (1999) recognises Microdon linearis as a distinct species, but provides no further information. Manning and Goldblatt (2012) includes Microdon linearis within the widespread M. capitatus. |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Microdon linearis Choisy | DDT | 2017.1 | | Microdon linearis Choisy | Threatened | Raimondo et al. (2009) | |
Bibliography |
Hilliard, O.M. 1999. The tribe Selagineae (Scrophulariaceae). Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh/Royal Botanic Gardens, Edinburgh/Kew.
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.
Rolfe, R.A. 1901. Selagineae. In: W.T. Thiselton-Dyer (ed). Flora Capensis V Section I (Acanthaceae-Proteaceae):95-180. Lovell Reeve & Co., Ltd., London.
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Citation |
| von Staden, L. 2016. Microdon linearis Choisy. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/04/13 |
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