By Melissa Castlemaine, Sophy Kohler
This new policy brief examines how endangered flora are being systematically removed from the wild to meet international consumer demand for rare or unusual plants. This trade, once limited and opportunistic, has become more organized, commercialized and transnational, with buyers now concentrated in Europe, the US and Asia.
South Africa, known for its rich biodiversity, faces threats from the increasing illicit trade in ornamental plants. Endangered species, like *Clivia mirabilis*, are being illegally harvested to satisfy international demand, with over 15,000 plants removed from the Oorlogskloof Nature Reserve by August 2025.
The illegal trade has expanded beyond succulents to include a variety of ornamental plants, with online platforms facilitating this activity. This poaching not only leads to biodiversity loss but also harms ecosystems and local communities.
Despite efforts like the National Response Strategy and Action Plan to Address the Illegal Trade in South African Succulent Flora (2022) and the National Integrated Strategy to Combat Wildlife Trafficking (2023), enforcement remains difficult.
Upcoming international proposals aim to strengthen protections for threatened plant species. Coordinated responses are urgently needed to combat the illegal trade and protect South Africa’s unique flora.
Geneva: The Global Initiative Against Transnational Organized Crime, 2025. 36p
