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Scientific Name | Hesperantha minima (Baker) R.C.Foster |
Higher Classification | Monocotyledons |
Family | IRIDACEAE |
Synonyms | Geissorhiza minima Baker |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Endangered D |
Assessment Date | 2021/06/09 |
Assessor(s) | N.A. Helme, D. Raimondo & T. Patel |
Justification | This range restricted species has an extent of occurrence (EOO) and an area of occupancy (AOO) of 8 km². It is known from two locations and has small subpopulations. There are fewer than 200 mature individuals. It is therefore listed as Endangered under criterion D. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Northern Cape |
Range | It is endemic to South Africa, and is found in Namaqualand, Kamiesberg. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Kamiesberg Mountains Shrubland |
Description | It occurs in granitic soils, growing close to watercourses, 1400 m. |
Threats |
| This species experiences livestock trampling and grazing, which is a moderate threat at the Arkoep locality. The lack of fire is also a problem in this area - the area has not been burnt for over 20 years (N. Helme 2006). |
Population |
There is one subpopulation of about 50 plants (that do not occur at very high altitude) that has no threats and is not experiencing decline. According to Rod Saunders, he only saw 24 plants but there could possibly be a few other smaller subpopulations, consisting of less than 200 plants. The plants grow close to watercourses and do not flower every year but depend on sufficient rain to flower.
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Population trend | Stable |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Hesperantha minima (Baker) R.C.Foster | EN D | Raimondo et al. (2009) | | Hesperantha minima (Baker) R.C.Foster | Rare | Hilton-Taylor (1996) | |
Bibliography |
Goldblatt, P. 1984. A revision of Hesperantha (Iridaceae) in the winter rainfall area of southern Africa. Journal of South African Botany 50:14-141.
Goldblatt, P. 2003. A synoptic review of the African genus Hesperantha (Iridaceae: Crocoideae). Annals of the Missouri Botanical Garden 90(3):390-443.
Goldblatt, P. and Manning, J.C. 2020. Iridaceae of southern Africa. Strelitzia 42. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
Hilton-Taylor, C. 1996. Red data list of southern African plants. Strelitzia 4. South African National Botanical 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.
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Citation |
| Helme, N.A., Raimondo, D. & Patel, T. 2021. Hesperantha minima (Baker) R.C.Foster. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/04/13 |
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