This species is Critically Endangered (CR). It is known from less than 250 plants and is known to occur in only one small reserve in Mossel Bay. There are a few more plants on a privately owned piece of land, but this is a relatively small population and the most of the plants occur at the Diosma Reserve. This species used to occur on other fragments between The Point and Dana Bay, but because of coastal developments, most of these populations were lost. After a fire at the site in 2005, there were concerns about the survival of the species, but there was viable recruitment and it was once again time for concerned residents to step in and support alien clearing operations at the site. Cape Nature and members of the CREW Outramps group have carefully monitored this species and lobbied for the protection and management of the site. In 2011 and 2012, 77 and 153 plants were recorded respectively. A more recent count revealed 380 plants. The site burnt again in 2016 and the CREW volunteers, in partnership with the Municipality, have made a considerable effort to clear aliens and illegally dumped waste off the site. Although this site is known to be a very important hotspot, there is still immense pressure on the site. Illegal dumping of waste, off-road driving with quad bikes and motorcycles still affect the ecological integrity of the site. Cape Nature is currently negotiating the formal protection of this, but it will still need the support of local residents and conservation officials to ensure the survival of Diosma aristata.