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Scientific Name | Dierama ambiguum Hilliard |
Higher Classification | Monocotyledons |
Family | IRIDACEAE |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Endangered A4c; B1ab(iii) |
Assessment Date | 2010/10/27 |
Assessor(s) | L. von Staden |
Justification | Extensive, ongoing habitat loss of at least 29% recorded in the past 13 years is likely to result in population reduction exceeding 50% within the next 20 years (generation length 20 years). This range-restricted (EOO 923 km²) species is currently known from four to five locations and continues to decline due to ongoing habitat loss to timber plantations and subsistence agriculture. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Eastern Cape, KwaZulu-Natal |
Range | Weza to Mount Ayliff. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Midlands Mistbelt Grassland, Drakensberg Foothill Moist Grassland |
Description | Open montane grassland. |
Threats |
| This species is threatened by rapid ongoing habitat loss, particularly due to expansion of timber plantations and subsistence agriculture. Overgrazing, too frequent fire and erosion are also causing ongoing habitat degradation. Montane grasslands within the known range of this species are now 49% transformed, with 29% habitat loss recorded in the past 13 years. |
Population |
The population size and structure of this species is not known, but it is suspected to continue to decline due to extensive ongoing habitat loss.
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Population trend | Decreasing |
Notes |
| This species is closely allied to Dierama dracomontana, and the two species frequently hybridize, making identification difficult. |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Dierama ambiguum Hilliard | Threatened | Raimondo et al. (2009) | |
Bibliography |
Hilliard, O.M. and Burtt, B.L. 1988. Notes on some plants of Southern Africa chiefly from Natal: XIV. Notes from the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh 45(1):77-94.
Hilliard, O.M. and Burtt, B.L. 1991. Dierama: The hairbells of Africa. Acorn Books, Johannesburg and London.
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 |
| von Staden, L. 2010. Dierama ambiguum Hilliard. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/04/14 |
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