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Scientific Name | Erica chlorosepala Benth. |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | ERICACEAE |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Vulnerable D2 |
Assessment Date | 2012/08/22 |
Assessor(s) | R.C. Turner, E.G.H. Oliver & L. von Staden |
Justification | A range-restricted species from the central Langeberg (EOO 207 km²), known to occur at only four locations and potentially threatened by competition from alien invasive plants and too frequent fire. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Western Cape |
Range | Langeberg Mountains between Swellendam and Riversdale. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | South Langeberg Sandstone Fynbos |
Description | Fynbos, on rocky or sandy, north-facing upper mountain slopes. |
Threats |
| Parts of the Langeberg Mountains are infested with alien invasive pines, and ongoing clearing and management is required to prevent it from becoming a threat to this localized species. Too frequent fire is also a potential threat to this reseeder. |
Population |
A rare and localized species, restricted to summit ridges and northern slopes, and not often encountered. The two most recent records (1997 and 2006) indicate that fewer than 10 plants were seen on the Lemoenshoek Peak. Searches for this species on Goedgeloof Peak, where it was frequently collected in the past and reported to be common, has been unsuccessful (R.C. Turner pers. comm.). It therefore appears that this species may have declined, although there is no reason to suspect decline as its habitat is undisturbed and protected. Further study and a better understanding of this species' life history, particularly in relation to fires, is still needed.
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Population trend | Stable |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Erica chlorosepala Benth. | VU D2 | Raimondo et al. (2009) | | Erica chlorosepala Benth. | Rare | Hilton-Taylor (1996) | |
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.
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.
Schumann, D., Kirsten, G. and Oliver, E.G.H. 1992. Ericas of South Africa. Fernwood Press, Cape Town.
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Citation |
| Turner, R.C., Oliver, E.G.H. & von Staden, L. 2012. Erica chlorosepala Benth. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/07/06 |
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