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Scientific Name | Metalasia capitata (Lam.) Less. |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | ASTERACEAE |
Synonyms | Gnaphalium capitatum Lam., Metalasia bolusii L.Bolus |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Vulnerable A2c |
Assessment Date | 2018/10/03 |
Assessor(s) | N.A. Helme & D. Raimondo |
Justification | Metalasia capitata is a range-restricted species, with an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 5715 km². It has declined by more than 30% over the past three generations (60 years) due to rapid ongoing habitat loss and degradation, and is therefore listed as Vulnerable under criterion A. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Western Cape |
Range | This species is endemic to South Africa, and is found from Piketberg to Paarl. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Saldanha Flats Strandveld, Leipoldtville Sand Fynbos, Swartland Granite Renosterveld, Hopefield Sand Fynbos, Atlantis Sand Fynbos, Piketberg Sandstone Fynbos, Swartland Silcrete Renosterveld, Cape Flats Sand Fynbos, Swartland Alluvium Fynbos, Hangklip Sand Fynbos, Kogelberg Sandstone Fynbos, Cape Flats Dune Strandveld, Peninsula Sandstone Fynbos, Swartland Alluvium Renosterveld, Swartland Shale Renosterveld, Boland Granite Fynbos |
Description | It occupies acid sand flats. |
Threats |
| Metalasia capitata has lost more than 60% of its habitat to urban expansion and crop cultivation, and only small fragments remain, many of which are densely infested with alien invasive plants. Some sites are also being degraded due to overgrazing and fire exclusion. |
Population |
Based on observed rates of habitat loss between 1990 and 2014, a population reduction of at least 30% over three generations (60 years) is inferred. This species is still common, persisting in more than 20 fragments, but continues to decline due to ongoing habitat loss and degradation.
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Population trend | Decreasing |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Metalasia capitata (Lam.) Less. | VU A2c | Raimondo et al. (2009) | |
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.
Karis, P.O. 1989. Systematics of the genus Metalasia (Asteraceae - Gnaphalieae). Opera Botanica 99:1-150.
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 |
| Helme, N.A. & Raimondo, D. 2018. Metalasia capitata (Lam.) Less. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/04/13 |
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