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Scientific Name | Millettia stuhlmannii Taub. |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | FABACEAE |
Common Names | Grootblaar-omsambeet (a), Large-leaved Umzimbeet (e), Muangaila (v), Panga-panga (e), Patryshout (a) |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Critically Endangered A2d+4d; B1b(iv,v)+2b(iv,v); C1; D |
Assessment Date | 2023/07/12 |
Assessor(s) | H. Mtshali, M. Gabayi & M. Mathalauga |
Justification | This slow-growing species is now on the brink of extinction in South Africa. It is known only from one population with an extent of occurrence (EOO) and area of occupancy (AOO) of 4 km². Observations since 2007 have shown a more than 80% reduction in the number of individuals in the single known population. This species' ongoing survival is dependent on sustainable harvesting and conservation. The rapid collapse of this species' population is due to continuous bark and root removal. The decline is projected to continue and this species is likely to become locally extinct within the next 10 to 20 years. It therefore qualifies as Critically Endangered under criteria A,B,C and D. |
Distribution |
Endemism | Not endemic to South Africa |
Provincial distribution | Limpopo |
Range | This species has a very limited distribution in South Africa, where it occurs near Thohoyandou in Limpopo. It also occurs in Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Tanzania. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Savanna |
Description | This large tree is found in high rainfall forest and riverine fringe forest, on rocky hillsides, at elevations up to 900 m. |
Threats |
| Its' bark is used and heavily exploited throughout southern Africa for traditional medicine. It is widely harvested for its wood in other countries including Zimbabwe, Mozambique and Tanzania. Over-harvesting has a negative impact on population survival. The only known population in South Africa has no observed seedling recruitment and some trees are unhealthy (thin canopy, dead branches and ring barking). Currently there are no measures in place to protect and conserve this species. |
Population |
A species count conducted in 2007 revealed that only 159 specimens remained in South Africa. During a survey conducted in 2022, the only remaining subpopulation had 20 individual trees. No seedling recruitment has been observed during field surveys and some of the surviving trees are unhealthy. Harvesting has caused an 80-90% reduction in the population over the past two generations (generation length 10-30 years). The South African population continues to decline due to unsustainable harvesting and the remaining population is projected to exceed a 90% decline within three generations.
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Population trend | Decreasing |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Millettia stuhlmannii Taub. | Least Concern | Raimondo et al. (2009) | |
Bibliography |
Coates Palgrave, M. 2002. Keith Coates Palgrave Trees of southern Africa. 3rd Edition. Struik, Cape Town.
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 |
| Mtshali, H., Gabayi, M. & Mathalauga, M. 2023. Millettia stuhlmannii Taub. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2024/12/06 |
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