Taxonomy
Scientific Name
Tritonia squalida (Aiton) Ker Gawl.
Higher Classification
Monocotyledons
Family
IRIDACEAE
Synonyms
Ixia hyalina in sense of DC., not of L.f. (misapplied name), Ixia similis Salisb. (in part) (excluding synonym I. hyalina ), Ixia squalida Aiton, Ixia squalida Aiton var. patula Aiton, Tritonixia squalida (Aiton) Klatt
National Status
Status and Criteria
Near Threatened B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v)
Assessment Date
2021/07/09
Assessor(s)
D. Raimondo & T. Patel
Justification
It is known from between 11-15 locations. The species is declining due to agricultural activities around Albertinia and dense encroachment by invasive alien acacias throughout its range. Additionally, there is a slow but continuing decline resulting from urban expansion around Albertinia and Still Bay. Therefore, it is listed as Near Threatened, almost meeting criteria B to be listed as Vulnerable.
Distribution
Endemism
South African endemic
Provincial distribution
Western Cape
Range
This species is a local endemic of the south coast of Western Cape, South Africa, between Riversdale, Albertinia and Still Bay.
Habitat and Ecology
Major system
Terrestrial
Major habitats
Albany Thicket, Fynbos
Description
It occurs on stony laterite and calcareous soils, often in crevices in rock pavement or outcrops.
Threats
This species has lost 29% of its habitat (calculated using landcover data in GIS). It is threatened by ongoing habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation as a result of urban and agricultural expansion and competition from alien invasive plants.
Population

There is no information about the subpopulation sizes of this species, except for one in Still Bay that was recorded in 2012, which had between 50 and 100 plants. The population trend is inferred to be declining due to ongoing habitat loss and degradation


Population trend
Decreasing
Assessment History
Taxon assessed
Status and Criteria
Citation/Red List version
Tritonia squalida (Aiton) Ker Gawl.NT B1ab(ii,iii,v)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.


Goldblatt, P. and Manning, J.C. 2020. Iridaceae of southern Africa. Strelitzia 42. 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.


Vlok, J. and Schutte-Vlok, A.L. 2010. Plants of the Klein Karoo. Umdaus Press, Hatfield.


Citation
Raimondo, D. & Patel, T. 2021. Tritonia squalida (Aiton) Ker Gawl. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/05/31

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Distribution map

© J.H. Vlok/A.L. Schutte-Vlok


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