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Scientific Name | Serruria decipiens R.Br. |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | PROTEACEAE |
Synonyms | Serruria adscendens (Lam.) R.Br. var. decipiens (R.Br.) Hutch. |
Common Names | Sandveld Spiderhead (e) |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Near Threatened A4ce; B1ab(ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(ii,iii,iv,v) |
Assessment Date | 2018/10/01 |
Assessor(s) | A.G. Rebelo, H. Mtshali & L. von Staden |
Justification | Serruria decipiens is a range-restricted species with an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 6 457 km² and an area of occupancy (AOO) of 664 km². It is a locally common species, with more than 15 locations extant, but it is declining due to rapid agricultural expansion within the northern part of its range. Based on observed rate of habitat loss between 1990 and 2014, a population reduction of at least 20% is projected by 2050, within three generations (generation length 20 years). This species therefore almost meets the thresholds for listing as Vulnerable under criterion A and B and is listed as Near Threatened. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Western Cape |
Range | This species is endemic to South Africa, and has a restricted distribution in the Western Cape, where it occurs from Olifants River Mountains to the Cape Flats. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Cape Flats Dune Strandveld, Langebaan Dune Strandveld, Saldanha Flats Strandveld, Swartland Granite Renosterveld, Swartland Silcrete Renosterveld, Piketberg Sandstone Fynbos, Graafwater Sandstone Fynbos, Cape Flats Sand Fynbos, Atlantis Sand Fynbos, Hopefield Sand Fynbos, Leipoldtville Sand Fynbos |
Description | It grows in sandy Fynbos of the west coast lowlands. Mature individuals are killed by fires, and only seeds survive. Seeds are released after ripening, and dispersed by ants to their underground nests, where they are protected from predation and fire. It is pollinated by insects. |
Threats |
| Serruria decipiens has already lost at least 50% of its habitat to crop cultivation and urban expansion, and rapid loss continues in the northern part of its range. Subpopulations persisting in small remnants and road verges are threatened by ongoing habitat degradation due to inappropriate fire management, mowing, overgrazing and competition from alien invasive plants.
This species is also potentially sensitive to groundwater abstraction due to its preference for moist habitats. |
Population |
It is still common over most of its range, but is declining rapidly due to ongoing habitat loss in the Sandveld. The northernmost subpopulations are relatively fragmented and tend to occur in seeps and moister habitats. It is still very common in the south of its range, where subpopulations were far more extensive, but in this area its habitat has been severely impacted, and many remnants are confined to road reserves.
Based on the observed rate of habitat loss between 1990 and 2014, a population reduction of at least 20% is projected by 2050, a period within three generations (generation length 20 years).
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Population trend | Decreasing |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Serruria decipiens R.Br. | NT A4c | 2020.1 | | Serruria decipiens R.Br. | VU A2c+3c+4c | 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.
Manning, J.C. and Goldblatt, P. 2012. Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 1: The Core Cape Flora. Strelitzia 29. South African National Biodiversity 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.
Rebelo, T. 2001. Sasol Proteas: A field guide to the proteas of southern Africa. (2nd ed.). Fernwood Press, Vlaeberg, Cape Town.
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Citation |
| Rebelo, A.G., Mtshali, H. & von Staden, L. 2018. Serruria decipiens R.Br. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2025/04/14 |
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