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Scientific Name | Bergeranthus vespertinus (A.Berger) Schwantes |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | AIZOACEAE |
Synonyms | Bergeranthus jamesii L.Bolus, Bergeranthus longisepalus L.Bolus, Mesembryanthemum vespertinum A.Berger |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Near Threatened B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii) |
Assessment Date | 2023/02/28 |
Assessor(s) | V. Zikishe & P.M. Burgoyne |
Justification | This Eastern Cape endemic has a restricted range with an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 16 201 km² and an area of occupancy (AOO) of less than 200 km². In its habitat, it is known from 10-20 locations that are declining due to industrial expansion in Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage, as well as livestock trampling and agricultural activities. Therefore, it is listed as Near Threatened. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Eastern Cape |
Range | This species is endemic to the Eastern Cape of South Africa, where it occurs between Kleinpoort, Fort Brown, and Halesowen near Cradock. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Albany Thicket, Grassland |
Description | It is associated with karroid elements with little or no grass cover and where an increase of succulent species is evident. It occurs on xeric succulent thicket, southern mountain grassland, subarid and eastern thorn bushveld. |
Threats |
| It is frequently threatened by trampling in its Karoo habitats, and habitat loss poses a serious threat near Uitenhage, Port Elizabeth, and the coast. |
Population |
Although this species is highly restricted, it is common within its range. No quantitative population data are available. It is known in herbaria from 50 collections with a date range of 1907 to 2008 and from seven recent observation records on iNaturalist. The population size and trend are unknown but suspected to be declining due to habitat loss and degradation.
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Population trend | Decreasing |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Bergeranthus vespertinus (A.Berger) Schwantes | Least Concern | Raimondo et al. (2009) | |
Bibliography |
Dold, A.P., Hammer, S.A. and Barker, N.P. 2005. Leaves of grass: A taxonomic revision of the genus Bergeranthus Schwantes (Aizoaceae). Haseltonia 11:78-97.
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.
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Citation |
| Zikishe, V. & Burgoyne, P.M. 2023. Bergeranthus vespertinus (A.Berger) Schwantes. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2024/12/07 |
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