|
Scientific Name | Conophytum cupreiflorum Tischer |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | AIZOACEAE |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Data Deficient - Taxonomically Problematic |
Assessment Date | 2022/03/14 |
Assessor(s) | A.J. Young & N.N. Mhlongo |
Justification | This dwarf succulent was described in 1955 by A. Tischer based on a single cutting received from P. Van Heerde. The flower colour is unusual for the genus and has only been observed in hybrids between yellow- and purple-flowering taxa, both in habitat and in cultivation. It is therefore believed that this taxon is a natural hybrid - probably between Conophytum violaciflorum (purple flowers) and C. bilobum (yellow flowers). Although the material originally came with vague locality data, subsequent investigations by S. Hammer point to a locality near to where these two species are found. With no further information, the uncertainty over this taxon makes Data Deficient the most appropriate category. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Northern Cape |
Range | Although details of the locality in the original description are vague, this species probably originates from a small part of the Northern Cape province of South Africa. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Description | As neither the collector nor the origin of the Type material are known, no information is available regarding its habitat. In cultivation, the plant's growth requirements and behaviour are in-line with the majority of other species in the genus. |
Threats |
| There is not enough information available on this taxon's distribution and it is thus not possible to identify threats. |
Population |
There is no information on this species since its original discovery, with recent investigations suggesting it to be a natural hybrid between two species, one of which is only recorded from a small area.
|
Population trend | Unknown |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Conophytum cupreiflorum Tischer | DDT | 2017.1 | | Conophytum cupreiflorum Tischer | Least Concern | Raimondo et al. (2009) | |
Bibliography |
Hammer, S. 2002. Dumpling and his wife: New view of the genus Conophytum. EAE Creative Colour, Norwich.
Hammer, S.A. 1993. The genus Conophytum: A conograph. Succulent Plant Publications, Pretoria.
|
Citation |
| Young, A.J. & Mhlongo, N.N. 2022. Conophytum cupreiflorum Tischer. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/04/22 |
Comment on this assessment
