|
Scientific Name | Syncolostemon macranthus (Gürke) M.Ashby |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | LAMIACEAE |
Synonyms | Orthosiphon macranthus Gürke |
Common Names | Long-flowered Pink Plume (e) |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Near Threatened B1ab(iii) |
Assessment Date | 2020/03/03 |
Assessor(s) | L. von Staden |
Justification | Syncolostemon macranthus has a restricted distribution range, with an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 3325 km². It is declining across most of its range due to ongoing habitat loss and degradation, but is estimated to still persist at more than 30 locations. Therefore it nearly meets the criteria thresholds for Vulnerable under criterion B, and is listed as Near Threatened. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Free State, KwaZulu-Natal |
Range | This species is endemic to the Northern KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg in South Africa, from Van Reenen's Pass to Cathedral Peak. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Northern KwaZulu-Natal Moist Grassland, Low Escarpment Moist Grassland, Drakensberg Foothill Moist Grassland, Basotho Montane Shrubland, Eastern Free State Sandy Grassland, uKhahlamba Basalt Grassland, Northern Drakensberg Highland Grassland, Drakensberg Afroalpine Heathland, Southern Mistbelt Forest, Northern Afrotemperate Forest |
Description | It is localized to stream sides and forest margins. |
Threats |
| There is ongoing habitat loss and degradation within this species' range due to expanding rural settlements, subsistence agriculture, and overgrazing, which is leading to erosion in many areas. Drainage lines and forest margins are also prone to invasion by alien plant species, which outcompete native species. A small proportion of the population occurs in protected areas where it is not threatened. |
Population |
Syncolostemon macranthus is fairly common, but subpopulations tend to be small and localized. A continuing decline is inferred from ongoing habitat loss and degradation.
|
Population trend | Decreasing |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Syncolostemon macranthus (Gürke) M.Ashby | NT B1ab(iii) | 2020.1 | | Syncolostemon macranthus (Gürke) M.Ashby | Least Concern | Raimondo et al. (2009) | |
Bibliography |
Codd, L.E. 1985. Lamiaceae. In: O.A. Leistner (ed). Flora of Southern Africa 28 Part 4:1-240. Botanical Research Institute, Pretoria.
Otieno, D.F. 2004. Taxonomic delimitation, phylogeny and biogeography of Hemizygia and Syncolostemon (Ocimeae - Labiatae). Unpublished PhD, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
Pooley, E. 2003. Mountain flowers: a field guide to the flora of the Drakensberg and Lesotho. Natal Flora Publications Trust, Durban.
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.
|
Citation |
| von Staden, L. 2020. Syncolostemon macranthus (Gürke) M.Ashby. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/04/14 |
Comment on this assessment
