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Kniphofia umbrina

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Species of plant in the genus Kniphofia

Kniphofia umbrina
Kniphofia umbrina inflorescence, Hhohho Region, Eswatini.
Conservation status

Critically Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Asphodelaceae
Subfamily: Asphodeloideae
Genus: Kniphofia
Species: K. umbrina
Binomial name
Kniphofia umbrina
Codd

Kniphofia umbrina, called the Eswati poker, is a species of flowering plant in the genus Kniphofia. The species is native to an area near Forbes Reef in Eswatini, just to the north of Mbabane.

Description

Plants are herbaceous perennials which may grow up to 1.8 metres (5.9 ft) tall. Stems emerge from a thick rhizome, with 6-8 leaves per stem. Flowers are brown, slightly scented, and form a raceme. It is similar in characteristics to Kniphofia typhoides.

Habitat

The species is native to sourveld, rocky grassland in a temperate climate. Soils in the area are acidic, high in clay and organic matter, and serpentiferous. Their observed distribution covers approximately 40 square kilometres (15 sq mi). The habitat falls on Swazi Nation Land, as well as on the Hawane Nature Reserve.

Conservation

The species was first listed by the IUCN as vulnerable in 1978 after a detailed survey. There were between 3,000 and 4,000 estimated individuals. The population was initially threatened by maize cultivation and road construction. Conservation measures were undertaken, including translocating individuals into Malolotja Nature Reserve and collecting seeds. The population of 1,900 transplants eventually went extinct.

Between 1978 and 1985, the population declined 92%, down to only 357 known plants. This was attributed to increased pressure by grazing, agriculture, and the construction of a dam. In 2001, the species was reassessed as critically endangered.

References

  1. ^ Synge, Hugh (1978). The IUCN Plant Red Data Book: Comprising Red Data Sheets on 250 Selected Plants Threatened on a World Scale. International Union for Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources Threatened Plants. p. 309. ISBN 978-2-88032-202-1. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  2. "Eswati Poker (Kniphofia umbrina)". iNaturalist. Retrieved 2021-08-15.
  3. "Kniphofia umbrina in Global Plants on JSTOR". plants.jstor.org.
  4. ^ Witkowski, E. T. F.; Dahlmann, L. A.; Boycott, R. C. (1 November 2001). "Conservation biology of Kniphofia umbrina, a critically endangered Swaziland serpentine endemic". South African Journal of Science. 97 (11): 609–616. hdl:10520/EJC97233. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
  5. ^ "Endemic Flora: Kniphofia umbrina". eswatininaturereserves.com. Eswatini National Trust Commission. Archived from the original on August 15, 2021. Retrieved 15 August 2021.
Taxon identifiers
Kniphofia umbrina
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