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Scientific Name | Moraea cistiflora Goldblatt & J.C.Manning |
Higher Classification | Monocotyledons |
Family | IRIDACEAE |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Critically Endangered B1ab(iii)+2ab(iii) |
Assessment Date | 2022/08/18 |
Assessor(s) | I. Ebrahim, J.C. Manning & P. Goldblatt |
Justification | A restricted endemic to the Waaihoek mountains in the Upper Breede River Valley, Western Cape. This species is known from a single locality and has an extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of less than 4 km². It is threatened by agricultural expansion, habitat degradation through grazing and the spread of alien invasive plant species. It therefore qualifies as Critically Endangered under Criterion B. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Western Cape |
Range | This species is endemic to the Waaihoek Mountains near Botha, Upper Breede River Valley, Western Cape. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Breede Shale Fynbos |
Description | Plants grow in moderately steep, south facing mid slope on loamy soil. |
Threats |
| The Upper Breede River Valley is a well known wine producing area, hence large tracts of natural vegetation have been transformed for vineyards, fruit orchards and wheatfields. The mid to higher slopes on the Waaihoek mountains are being impacted by the spread of alien invasive plant species including Pines, Hakea and Acacias. Large antelope has been introduced at the current locality of this species and the impact of grazing is evident on the lower to mid slopes of this mountain. There has also been dam and road constructions. |
Population |
This recently discovered species is known from one subpopulation. This species is likely to flower in masses after a fire, followed by decline in flowering individuals over 3 to 4 years after the fire. This attractive distinct species has not been recorded before although the area has been well sampled. It is likely that species is highly restricted to this area.
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Population trend | Decreasing |
Bibliography |
Goldblatt, P., Manning, J.C. and Ebrahim, I. 2021. Two new species of Moraea Mill. (Iridaceae: Iridoideae) from the southern African winter rainfall area. . South African Journal of Botany 139:290-293.
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Citation |
| Ebrahim, I., Manning, J.C. & Goldblatt, P. 2022. Moraea cistiflora Goldblatt & J.C.Manning. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2024/12/07 |
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