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Scientific Name | Hermannia gerrardii Harv. |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | MALVACEAE |
Synonyms | Hermannia macowanii (Szyszyl.) Schinz, Mahernia chrysantha Planch. ex Harv., not of E.Mey. in Turcz. (1858) |
Common Names | Bitterblaar (a), Gerrard's Yellow Hermannia (e) |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Least Concern |
Assessment Date | 2020/02/20 |
Assessor(s) | L. von Staden |
Justification | Hermannia gerrardii is a widespread species. It is declining due to ongoing habitat loss and degradation in parts of its range, but it is not yet in danger of extinction. |
Distribution |
Endemism | Not endemic to South Africa |
Provincial distribution | Eastern Cape, Free State, KwaZulu-Natal |
Range | This species occurs in the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg and Midlands, extending to the Eastern Cape Drakensberg and Lesotho. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Midlands Mistbelt Grassland, Mooi River Highland Grassland, Northern KwaZulu-Natal Moist Grassland, Moist Coast Hinterland Grassland, East Griqualand Grassland, Southern KwaZulu-Natal Moist Grassland, Drakensberg Foothill Moist Grassland, Basotho Montane Shrubland, Northern Drakensberg Highland Grassland, Southern Drakensberg Highland Grassland, Drakensberg Afroalpine Heathland |
Description | It occurs on steep grass slopes and rock outcrops, 1200-2300 m. |
Threats |
| About 25% of this species' habitat is irreversibly modified, mainly in the KwaZulu-Natal Midlands and Drakensberg foothills, where there has been extensive historical loss and fragmentation of grasslands due to timber plantations. Remaining grasslands outside protected areas are overstocked with livestock in many areas, which leads to erosion and a loss of species diversity in grasslands. On the other hand, large areas of suitable habitat are well-protected in the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg, and subpopulations in this area have no severe threats. |
Population |
Population trend | Decreasing |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Hermannia gerrardii Harv. | Least Concern | Raimondo et al. (2009) | |
Bibliography |
Harvey, W.H. 1859. Byttneriaceae. In: W.H. Harvey and O.W. Sonder (eds). Flora Capensis I (Ranunculaceae-Connaraceae):179-223. Hodges, Smith and Co., Dublin.
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.
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Citation |
| von Staden, L. 2020. Hermannia gerrardii Harv. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/06/04 |
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