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Scientific Name | Drimia khubusensis P.C.V.van Wyk & J.C.Manning |
Higher Classification | Monocotyledons |
Family | HYACINTHACEAE |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Critically Endangered B1ab(ii,iii,v)+2ab(ii,iii,v); C2a(i) |
Assessment Date | 2021/07/16 |
Assessor(s) | P.C.V. Van Wyk & H. Mtshali |
Justification | This localized Northern Cape endemic has an extent of occurrence (EOO) and an area of occupancy (AOO) of 4 km², it is known from a single location where there are 54 extant mature individuals. There is ongoing decline taking place due to housing development, overgrazing, and harvesting. This species therefore qualifies as Critically Endangered under criterion B and C. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Northern Cape |
Range | This species is a localised endemic from Khubus in the Richtersveld (Northern Cape). |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Succulent Karoo |
Description | It occurs in well-drained loamy quartzite soils in alluvial deposits on flats and gentle slopes. |
Threats |
| This species is threatened by housing development, overgrazing by livestock and off-road driving. The bulbs are also harvested as they are cooked and eaten as part of the traditional diet, and the species is known locally as knoffelbol (garlic bulb). It has the potential to go extinct in the very near future, if no form of protection can be put in place within the town. |
Population |
This species was first discovered in 2013 by Pieter van Wyk in Khubus (Kuboes) town/village, at first only 12 plants were found. Since its discovery an annual monitoring has been ongoing, and the local town community have been involved to assist with searching for this species. To date, 54 plants are known. Currently, the species has no formal protection. The population trend is inferred to be declining due to ongoing habitat loss and degradation.
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Population trend | Decreasing |
Bibliography |
Manning, J.C. and Goldblatt, P. 2018. Systematics of Drimia Jacq. (Hyacinthaceae: Urgineoideae) in southern Africa. Strelitzia 40. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
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Citation |
| Van Wyk, P.C.V. & Mtshali, H. 2021. Drimia khubusensis P.C.V.van Wyk & J.C.Manning. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/04/13 |
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