Endangered. This means that this erica is 'in danger of extinction and its survival is unlikely if the causal factors continue operating.' Its numbers have been reduced to a critical level and its habitats have been so drastically reduced that it is deemed to be in immediate danger of extinction.

Conservation Initiatives

In situ conservation The last remaining population on Shaw's Pass has been monitored for a number of years. This monitoring has shown a dramatic decline in the population since the 1970's. In 1977, 150 plants were counted. The population dropped to 50 plants in 1981, 15 in 1982, 11 in 1983, 1 in 1984 and the sole survivor was reported dead in 1985. Part of the population was destroyed by the construction of a road. A fire started to create grazing for sheep, spread and destroyed more plants. The area was fenced off in the 1970's and attempts to resurrect the population through appropriate burn management and reseeding failed. The species was thought to be extinct until 1980 when seedlings appeared after an accidental fire. These plants flowered and produced seed. Another fire swept through the area, but more seedlings appeared and about 100 plants have been counted in this natural population which amounts to less than one hectare. The land on which the plant occurs belongs to the Caledon Divisional Council and was leased to Cape Nature Conservation for a number of years. In 1992 Nature Conservation did not renew the lease and it became known that the new leaseholder was planning to develop part of the site.

When these plans became known, the South African Botanical Society and the Caledon Wildflower Society lobbied the Caledon Divisional Council and Cape Nature Conservation about the conservation importance of the site. In addition to Erica jasminiflora, an endangered species of Proteaeaceae, Leucadendron cryptocephalum also occurs in the area. The proposal was that Cape Nature Conservation would purchase the site and manage it as a nature reserve. Protracted negotiations with the local authorities in Caledon have thus far not resulted in progress in this direction. In the meantime the site burnt again in 2002. The efforts of local conservation bodies such as the Caledon Wildflower Society need to be supported by the local authorities and by conservation bodies if this species is to be secured in its habitat.

Ex situ conservation Plants are grown at Kirstenbosch in their pot collection of rare ericas and some are planted in the garden for display. A nursery in Caledon that specializes in growing fynbos also grows plants successfully. Nursery grown plants might ultimately be the only means of survival for this species.