Chasmanthe bicolore

This species is threatened by crop cultivation, dam construction and alien plant invasion (Helme and Raimondo 2007). Renosterveld is a highly fragmented habitat type; in the Cape Lowlands region, less than 10% of original lowland renosterveld remains (Von Hase et al. 2003). Agricultural intensification has been identified as the most imminent threat to renosterveld vegetation with urban expansion a further threat, while invasive species are recognised as the principal biological threat (Topp and Loos 2019). In coastal and lowland habitats of the Cape Floristic region, more than 25% of the ground has been estimated to be covered with alien plants in medium or high densities (CEPF 2001). Historically, the Breede River Valley area was heavily grazed, but there has been a shift from grazing to cultivation; future development to increase nearby dam capacity and construct water pipelines will mean more expansion of agricultural land, and continued decline of natural habitat in the Langeberg catchment area (Becker 2020). Although the species has been reported from nature reserves (Haarwegskloof, Vrolijkheid, Dassieshoek) which may afford protection from agriculture and urban development, these areas remain likely to be impacted by invasive species, despite management incentives. The Dassieshoek locality is adjacent to the Nelsrivier dam, and development to increase dam capacity could potentially affect the species here. The habitat for this species is difficult to explore (Helme and Raimondo 2007) and further research is recommended to more precisely delineate species-specific threats.

One germplasm accession of wild origin is held by the Millennium Seed Bank in the UK (Millennium Seed Bank Partnership Data Warehouse 2021). Twenty-eight botanical gardens are listed as sites of ex situ conservation for this species (BGCI 2021). It has been recorded from Dassieshoek and Vrolijkheid Nature Reserves (UNEP-WCMC and IUCN 2021); passive conservation is presumed in these areas, but it is not known whether species-specific management is practised. The species has also been recorded from the Haarwegskloof Renosterveld Reserve (iNaturalist 2021) and it may be actively managed, given the specific focus here on renosterveld flora (Overberg Renosterveld Conservation Trust 2021). It has also been recorded from the Langeberg-Wes Mountain Catchment Area and the Rooiberg Breederiver Conservancy (UNEP-WCMC and IUCN 2021). Although the latter does not represent a formally protected area, landowners are encouraged to promote conservation and receive e.g. financial assistance for alien clearing, tourism promotion, and assistance with fire management (Rooiberg Breederiver Conservancy 2021). In South Africa, it has most recently been assessed as Vulnerable B1ab(ii,iii,iv,v)+2ab(ii,iii,iv,v) (Helme and Raimondo 2007).