Acanthopsis sp.

Taxonomy
Scientific Name
Acanthopsis sp. (Steyn 1885 PRE)
Higher Classification
Dicotyledons
Family
ACANTHACEAE
National Status
Status and Criteria
Critically Rare
Assessment Date
2017/04/11
Assessor(s)
L. von Staden & H.M. Steyn
Justification
A highly range-restricted species (EOO <10 km²), known from a single site, but it is not threatened.
Distribution
Endemism
South African endemic
Provincial distribution
Northern Cape
Range
Richtersveld, Rooiberg east of Eksteenfontein.
Habitat and Ecology
Major system
Terrestrial
Major habitats
Desert
Description
Crevices on stony western and northern slopes, 600-700 m.
Threats
Overstocking of rangelands in the Richtersveld has led to widespread degradation of the natural vegetation, particularly on low-lying areas close to settlements. Overgrazing has caused a loss of plant species diversity as well as shrub cover, with consequent erosion of exposed topsoil. This species grows wedged among rocks, where it is somewhat protected from the effects of erosion and trampling, and in addition, it appears not to be browsed (H.M. Steyn pers. obs.).
Population

This species has a highly localized distribution, but is locally abundant in suitable habitat (H.M. Steyn pers. obs.).


Population trend
Stable
Citation
von Staden, L. & Steyn, H.M. 2017. Acanthopsis sp. (Steyn 1885 PRE). National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2023/12/03

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Distribution map


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