Bastard quiver tree  (Aloe pillansii)

Recent surveys of the bastard quiver tree in the Richtersveld region of the Northern Cape Province of South Africa, as well as in Namibia, suggest that there has been very little successful reproduction in the last 100 years. In addition, many of the older trees are dying, indicating that the population does not appear to be naturally regenerating (6) (8). The rarity of the bastard quiver tree may be partly attributed to their habitat; in harsh environments the problems of survival are amplified (6). Similar declines in population regeneration in sister species Aloe dichotoma, (the quiver tree), have been attributed to climate change (9) and it is very likely that the bastard quiver tree is being affected similarly. These effects are worsened by the removal of plants by horticultural collectors, as well as through herbivory by baboon, porcupines, rock rabbits and livestock, which also trample young plants (3) (4) (6) (8). Populations may also be affected by damage caused by leaf scale insects, and by base metal mining in Namibia (10).

Bastard quiver trees are protected in South Africa and Namibia (11), and are listed on Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES), effectively banning international trade in wild plants of this species (1). Further research into this important species is vitally needed, together with the careful monitoring of existing populations (6). Bastard quiver trees are a vital component of the Succulent Karoo ecosystem and an important tourist draw to the region, thus making conservation efforts imperative for the area.