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Scientific Name | Serruria rostellaris Salisb. ex Knight |
Higher Classification | Dicotyledons |
Family | PROTEACEAE |
Common Names | Remote Spiderhead (e) |
National Status |
Status and Criteria | Vulnerable B1ab(iii,v)+2ab(iii,v) |
Assessment Date | 2020/08/10 |
Assessor(s) | A.G. Rebelo, D. Raimondo & L. von Staden |
Justification | Serruria rostellaris has a restricted range, with an extent of occurrence (EOO) of 1194 km² and an area of occupancy (AOO) of 112 km². It is known from seven to 10 locations, and the population is declining due to competition from alien invasive plants which are present at high densities in many parts of this species range. It therefore qualifies for listing as Vulnerable under criterion B. |
Distribution |
Endemism | South African endemic |
Provincial distribution | Western Cape |
Range | This species is endemic to three mountain ranges in the Western Cape Province of South Africa, occurring on the Groenlandberg, Caledon Swartberg and Kleinrivier Mountains. |
Habitat and Ecology |
Major system | Terrestrial |
Major habitats | Overberg Sandstone Fynbos, Kogelberg Sandstone Fynbos |
Description | It prefers moist slopes in sandstone fynbos, 450-1100 m. Mature individuals are killed by fires, and only seeds survive. Seeds are released after ripening, and dispersed by ants to their underground nests, where they are protected from predation and fire. It is pollinated by insects. |
Threats |
Serruria rostellaris is known from three geographically isolated areas. The majority of subpopulations are not formally protected and are being impacted by alien invasive species present at high densities on the Caledon Swartberg and Kleinrivier Mountains. Alien pines, hakeas and acacias are causing ongoing decline to the population. Furthermore some subpopulations are potentially threatened by vineyard expansion. |
Population |
It is a localized, uncommon species that occurs in dense clumps. The population is currently declining due to competition with alien invasive plants.
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Population trend | Decreasing |
Notes |
As the type specimen cannot be located the synonym S. nivenii R.Br. has been informally proposed as a valid name. However, this has not been formally published. |
Assessment History |
Taxon assessed |
Status and Criteria |
Citation/Red List version | Serruria rostellaris Salisb. ex Knight | NT D2 | Raimondo et al. (2009) | |
Bibliography |
Goldblatt, P. and Manning, J.C. 2000. Cape Plants: A conspectus of the Cape Flora of South Africa. Strelitzia 9. National Botanical Institute, Cape Town.
Manning, J.C. and Goldblatt, P. 2012. Plants of the Greater Cape Floristic Region 1: The Core Cape Flora. Strelitzia 29. South African National Biodiversity 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.
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Citation |
Rebelo, A.G., Raimondo, D. & von Staden, L. 2020. Serruria rostellaris Salisb. ex Knight. National Assessment: Red List of South African Plants version . Accessed on 2024/12/07 |