Between 10 and 36 subpopulations are likely to be extant based on extensive surveys undertaken across this species range in 2018. Of the 39 historic records, 17 could not be relocated, which indicates that at least 43% of historically recorded subpopulations have been lost. Field surveys in 2018 indicate that between 2460 and 2658 mature individuals are likely extant. Given that over 70 000 plants have been exported from South Africa since 1975, nursery audits indicate that 98% of these have evidence of being of wild origin, and a further 5 to 10 thousand individuals are suspected to have been harvested for local medicinal use, the population is inferred to have experienced a decline of 97% since 1975, which is within a three-generation time period for this species (generation length 20 years). Continuing loss due to harvesting for the ornamental specialist succulent and local medicinal trade, combined with habitat loss, is suspected to result in a further decline of at least 10% of the remaining population by 2035. Below is a summary of the remaining subpopulations: There are four known subpopulations in the Grahamstown area. One is found on open land, which is possibly used for recreational activities such as cycling. The area had been recently burned, and 73 individuals could be identified, with 52% of the population flowering. Low levels of trampling, possibly due to the recreational activities, and rubbish dumping could be observed at the site (<10%). Only one individual was found at the second site, which is within a protected area. Trampling by big game was the only plausible threat identified at this site. The third site was in a municipal commonage, and less than 10 plants were found in 2016, and aliens were abundant in the site. In 2018, 14 plants were found, none of which were flowering. Threats identified were harvesting, as digging was noted on the ground and candles and coins were found near plants, which suggests that traditional rituals may be performed at this site. Rubbish dumping as well as trampling were observed at low levels. Less than 50 plants were present at the fourth site, where the land is used for livestock farming. This subpopulation occurs at the edge of a township and near a brick factory, with a number of farms occurring in the area. The subpopulation near Stutterheim had between 100 and 250 plants in 2003. Farming livestock, alien plants, and foraging animals such as baboons and porcupines were listed as threats. In 2018, a subpopulation occurring on a timber plantation was identified in Stutterheim, which is possibly the same site as above. The area had been recently burned, and 63 plants were found, and 14% of the population was flowering. Threats included harvesting for medicinal use; trampling by livestock is a plausible threat at this site as cow dung could be found in the vicinity of the plants. The largest of the subpopulations surveyed was in King Williams Town, where more than 675 plants were counted. This subpopulation occurs on open land along the roadside. None of the plants were found to be in flower in 2018, although the subpopulation had been exposed to low levels of fire. This subpopulation is threatened by trampling, trash dumping, and recreational activities. An initiation school for the Xhosa community was found at this site in November 2018, and trampling might become a major threat to this subpopulation in the future. In Port Edward, the population was estimated to be between 50 and 100 in 2001. The plants were found in groups, and the veld had been recently burned and was in good condition. All the plants had been flowering and were scattered over a large area. In 2015, around 10-50 plants were observed. Harvesting was identified as a threat, as well as the burning regime not being well managed. In 2016, alien species were noted in the area, and the irregular burning regime was again marked as a threat. In 2018, only 27 plants could be found, with 85% of the population flowering. Harvesting and trampling were noted in the area; the site had recently been burned. Less than 10 plants were observed in a different section of the reserve, with no apparent threats to the subpopulation. Two subpopulations were located in East London, and the first had 282 plants, 5% of which were flowering. Recreational activities such as quad biking and outdoor fitness classes are held at this site, which could possibly threaten this subpopulation through trampling and vehicle damage. Harvesting was also reported at this site. The second subpopulation occurs on open land that is used for grazing livestock, possibly a municipal commonage. A complete count found 566 individuals. The site had recently been burned, and 64% of the individuals assessed were found to be in flower. Threats at this site include trampling, rubbish dumping, and possible grazing. The latex found in many euphorbias is known to deter animals from grazing on plants in this genus. Therefore, trampling by livestock rather than grazing is what threatens this subpopulation. In Fort Beaufort, 23 individuals were located at the site, and 13% were flowering. This reserve in which this species occurs does not administer any fires, and the grass was quite dense. There is a high chance that more plants could be present at this site that were undetectable. No threats were identified at this site, although the absence of fire is suspected to be causing this subpopulation to decline.

Dold, A.P. and Cocks, M. 2000. The use of Euphorbia bupleurifolia as a medicinal plant in the Eastern Cape. PlantLife 22:27-28.

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

Scott-Shaw, C.R. 1999. Rare and threatened plants of KwaZulu-Natal and neighbouring regions. KwaZulu-Natal Nature Conservation Service, Pietermaritzburg.