Conservationists have called for urgent action to address the illegal trade in rare South African plant species to safeguard the country's treasures.

Tarina Vlok, MD at Elite Risk Acceptances, a high-net-worth insurer and subsidiary of Old Mutual Insure, says South Africa’s Succulent Karoo, the Clivia mirabilis, is one of the country’s most treasured plants. However, it is rapidly disappearing due to poaching, its numbers dropping by 80% in just one year, according to reports.

Authorities have blamed international demand, particularly from Asian markets, for driving the trend.

“Poaching of rare plant species is becoming a problem. In light of this, homeowners who have a green thumb or a collector’s eye for indigenous plants, must be cautious when sourcing plants to only buy from accredited places,” says Vlok.

“Buying high-value plants from unverified sources could unknowingly support illegal trade and impact how you are compensated in the event of a loss.”

“If anything, they show that plants are in demand, and it is worthwhile for homeowners to assess the potential risks around their outdoor areas, whether from owning sought-after or indigenous plants that require permits or owning extravagant water and statue features. The great news that many might not be aware of is that insurance covers your garden and outdoor assets, offering protection against accidental damage, theft, fire, and impact."

What does this mean for collectors and owners of rare and indigenous plants?

In 2014, a Broad-Leaved Chinese Daruma sold for R800 000, becoming the most expensive Clivia ever sold. In South Africa, a Clivia known as China Char’s reached a record price of R45 000 at auction. The value of rare Clivias can vary significantly based on their uniqueness, lineage, and demand among collectors. For instance, in 2006, a single Clivia plant called Charl’s Green sold for R36 000, while a Chinese grower advertised a broad-leaf Clivia on eBay for a staggering $2.9 million (R54.5 million at today's rate) in 2009.

These numbers point to the growing need to safeguard rare and valuable plants, whether exotic, endangered, or indigenous, and which could include trees that are hundreds of years old, like Yellowwoods, or collections such as bonsais.

“It’s important for plant collectors and homeowners to ensure their prized greenery is adequately covered,” says Vlok. “While all policies provide extensions for gardens, limits apply. Many homeowners may not realise that specialised insurance policies often provide limited cover for gardens in cases of damage or theft, depending on the cause. Some insurers even specify specific loss events, such as fire, theft, or malicious damage.”

Vlok says homeowners should speak with their brokers to review insurance policies and understand any exclusions. She says it is important to not assume that outdoor assets are always covered by standard insurance policies.

Policies usually cover theft of or certain damages to plants, trees, pots, or lavish statues for example, but specialist insurers could possibly also cover rare and valuable plants.

Vlok says homeowners should buy high-value plants from reputable sources like nurseries or suppliers, obtain appraisals, keep proof of purchase, and have detailed records of each plant’s value.

“Knowledge is power and understanding your policy is of utmost importance so that your gardens are adequately protected, and you are not left in the lurch if suffering a loss,” she adds.

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