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Scientific Name | Argyrolobium megarrhizum Bolus |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | FABACEAE |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Near Threatened B1ab(ii,iii,v) |
Assessment Date | 2007/07/23 |
Assessor(s) | T.J. Edwards & D. Raimondo |
Justification | Although it has a highly restricted range (EOO 2500 km²), there are currently estimated to be 10-20 locations. It is likely to have lost habitat to agriculture, and its habitat is being transformed rapidly due to urban expansion between Pretoria and Bronkhorstspruit. This species relies on pollination by carpenter bees and the ongoing habitat loss will impact on the population dynamics of these insects and is likely to affect pollination rates. In addition, changes in fire regimes as a result of habitat loss and degradation will impact this species as it only flowers profusely after fire. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Gauteng, Limpopo, Mpumalanga |
Range | Pretoria to Bronkhorstspruit. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Loskop Mountain Bushveld, Central Sandy Bushveld |
Description | Mixed bushveld. |
Threats |
| About 20% of this species is already transformed, mainly for the cultivation of maize. Subpopulations are currently threatened by overgrazing of communal land and spreading rural settlements. Land degradation as a result of overgrazing and overburning is also likely to negatively affect this species' pollinator, Carpenter Bees. |
Population |
Population trend | Decreasing |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Argyrolobium megarrhizum Bolus | NT B1ab(ii,iii,v) | Raimondo et al. (2009) | |
Bibliography |
Edwards, T.J. 2005. A synopsis of Argyrolobium (tribe Genisteae, Papilionoideae) in South Africa. South African Journal of Botany 71(3):380-417.
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 |
| Edwards, T.J. & Raimondo, D. 2007. Argyrolobium megarrhizum Bolus. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/04/14 |
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