Ikhambi

Taxonomy
Scientific Name
Pellaea rufa A.F.Tryon
Higher Classification
Ferns
Family
PTERIDACEAE
Common Names
Ikhambi (z)
National Status
Status and Criteria
Least Concern
Assessment Date
2016/11/01
Assessor(s)
D. Raimondo & J.E. Victor
Justification
Pellaea rufa is a widespread but rare and localized species that is not in danger of extinction. The extent of occurrence (EOO) is 26 671 km², and is therefore listed as Least Concern.
Distribution
Endemism
South African endemic
Provincial distribution
Northern Cape, Western Cape
Range
This species is endemic to South Africa, occurring between Ladismith and Willowmore.
Habitat and Ecology
Major system
Terrestrial
Major habitats
Koedoesberge-Moordenaars Karoo, Eastern Upper Karoo, Gamka Karoo, Central Mountain Shale Renosterveld, Oudshoorn Karroid Thicket, Gamka Arid Thicket
Description
It grows on rock crevices or shale bank clefts, usually on south-facing slopes of hills and ridges, 800-1200 m.
Threats
There are currently no severe threats to this species. Most of its range falls within an area earmarked for shale gas extraction. Shale gas-related infrastructure development is however unlikely to have a severe impact on this species, as its particular habitat is not suitable to development - open flats tend to be preferred.
Population

Pellaea rufa is a naturally rare fern, occurring sporadically across its relatively wide distribution range (Crouch et al. 2011). It is known from at least 15 locations, but its habitat remains relatively poorly explored, and it is likely that more, undiscovered subpopulations exist. As there are currently no severe threats to this species, the population is not suspected to be declining.


Population trend
Stable
Assessment History
Taxon assessed
Status and Criteria
Citation/Red List version
Pellaea rufa A.F.TryonLeast Concern Raimondo et al. (2009)
Pellaea rufa A.F.TryonRare Hilton-Taylor (1996)
Pellaea rufa A.F.TryonUncertain Hall et al. (1980)
Bibliography

Anthony, N.C. 1984. A revision of the Southern African species of Cheilanthes Swartz and Pellaea Link (Pteridaceae). Contributions from the Bolus Herbarium 11:1-293.


Burrows, J.E. 1990. Southern African ferns and fern allies. Frandsen Publishers, Sandton.


Crouch, N.R., Klopper, R.R., Burrows, J.E. and Burrows, S.M. 2011. Ferns of southern Africa: A comprehensive guide. Struik Nature, Cape Town.


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.


Hall, A.V., De Winter, M., De Winter, B. and Van Oosterhout, S.A.M. 1980. Threatened plants of southern Africa. South African National Scienctific Programmes Report 45. CSIR, Pretoria.


Hilton-Taylor, C. 1996. Red data list of southern African plants. Strelitzia 4. South African National Botanical Institute, Pretoria.


Jacobsen, W.B.G. 1983. The ferns and fern allies of southern Africa. Butterworths, Durban/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.


Schelpe, E.A.C.L.E. and Anthony, N.C. 1986. Pteridophyta. In: O.A. Leistner (ed). Flora of southern Africa:1-292. National Botanical Institute, Pretoria.


Snijman, D.A. 2013. Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 2: The extra Cape flora. Strelitzia 30. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.


Citation
Raimondo, D. & Victor, J.E. 2016. Pellaea rufa A.F.Tryon. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/04/14

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