Taxonomy
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.


Population trend
Stable
Assessment History
Taxon assessed
Status and Criteria
Citation/Red List version
Erica chlorosepala Benth.VU D2Raimondo 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.


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 2025/04/18

Comment on this assessment Comment on this assessment
Distribution map


Search for images of Erica chlorosepala on iNaturalist