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Scientific Name | Conophytum irmae S.A.Hammer & Barnhill |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | AIZOACEAE |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Endangered B1ab(v)+2ab(v) |
Assessment Date | 2020/02/10 |
Assessor(s) | A.J. Young, D. Raimondo & P.C.V. Van Wyk |
Justification | A range-restricted species from the Richtersveld region of South Africa, it is extremely localized occurring in an area of 6 km². It has an extent of occurrence (EOO) and an area of occupancy (EOO) in accordance with the IUCN guidelines of 16 km². Known from two threat based locations, it is experiencing ongoing decline as a result of illegal collecting for the specialist succulent horticultural trade. It therefore qualifies as Endangered under Criterion B. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Northern Cape |
Range | information redacted, contact SANBI |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Namaqualand Klipkoppe Shrubland, Anenous Plateau Shrubland |
Description | Quartz cliff faces, ridges or shallow depressions with quartz rubble. |
Threats |
| This species has recently come under collecting pressure with there being one case of poaching by Chinese intercepted in 2019. With the significant increase in demand for Conophytums coming from Asian countries since March 2019 this species is likely to continue to decline as a result of illegal collecting. |
Population |
This species is extremely localized to two quartz ridges in a small area south-west of Steinkopf. In this area it is locally abundant, with the population estimated to number more than 2000 mature individuals, however with recent observed poaching the population is now declining.
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Population trend | Decreasing |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Conophytum irmae S.A.Hammer & Barnhill | Rare | Raimondo et al. (2009) | |
Bibliography |
Hammer, S. 2002. Dumpling and his wife: New view of the genus Conophytum. EAE Creative Colour, Norwich.
Hammer, S. and Barnhill, C. 1997. Odes part two: descriptions of new Mesembryanthema. Bradleya 15:42-47.
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.
Snijman, D.A. 2013. Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 2: The extra Cape flora. Strelitzia 30. South African National Biodiversity Institute, Pretoria.
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Citation |
| Young, A.J., Raimondo, D. & Van Wyk, P.C.V. 2020. Conophytum irmae S.A.Hammer & Barnhill. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2023/12/03 |
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