|
Scientific Name | Protea aurea (Burm.f.) Rourke subsp. potbergensis (Rourke) Rourke |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | PROTEACEAE |
Common Names | Potberg Sugarbush (e), Potberg-suikerbos (a) |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Vulnerable D2 |
Assessment Date | 2019/09/26 |
Assessor(s) | A.G. Rebelo, H. Mtshali & L. von Staden |
Justification | Protea aurea subsp. potbergensis ha a limited distribution, with an extent of occurrence (EOO) 19 km² and area of occupancy (AOO) 40 km². It is a dense species with two subpopulations that are potentially threatened by too frequent fire and alien pine and acacia invasion. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Western Cape |
Range | This taxon is endemic to Potberg Mountain in the Western Cape. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Potberg Sandstone Fynbos |
Description | It occurs on upper sandstone slopes, at 360 m. Mature individuals are killed by fires, and only seeds survive. Wind-dispersed seeds are stored in fire-resistant inflorescences, and released after fires. It is pollinated by birds. |
Threats |
| As a serotinous reseeder which is found in a small area, this species is potentially vulnerable to too frequent fires. Local extinctions can occur if fires repeatedly kill individuals before the reach reproductive maturity. Invasive alien plants are present within its habitat, and could outcompete the population if it is not continually cleared and managed. |
Population |
This is a social species forming sparse to dense isolated stands. There are two known subpopulations of this species, both with over 55 000 individuals.
|
Population trend | Stable |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | | Protea aurea (Burm.f.) Rourke subsp. potbergensis Rourke | NT D2 | Raimondo et al. (2009) | | Protea aurea (Burm.f.) Rourke subsp. potbergensis Rourke | Rare | Hilton-Taylor (1996) | |
Bibliography |
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.
Rebelo, T. 2001. Sasol Proteas: A field guide to the proteas of southern Africa. (2nd ed.). Fernwood Press, Vlaeberg, Cape Town.
|
Citation |
| Rebelo, A.G., Mtshali, H. & von Staden, L. 2019. Protea aurea (Burm.f.) Rourke subsp. potbergensis (Rourke) Rourke. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version 2020.1. Accessed on 2023/12/03 |
Comment on this assessment
