Sorocephalus

All Sorocephalus species are endemic to mountanous regions of the South Western Cape Province of South Africa. They occur mostly at elevations of 1,200–1,800 metres (4,000–6,000 ft) above sea level, but may also be found at lower elevations. Most species have highly localised and restricted distributions, being known from a single area.^[2]

With the exception of S. lanatus, all Sorocephalus species are regarded as threatened by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) and the South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). One species, S. capitatus is listed as vulnerable, five (S. alopecurus, S. clavigerus, S. pinifolius, S. tenuifolius and S. teretifolius) are listed as endangered and four (S. crassifolius, S. imbricatus, S. palustris and S. scabridus) are listed as critically endangered, two of which, S. crassifolius and S. palustris, are regarded as possibly extinct, with no official sightings since 2001 and 1984 respectively. There is an unconfirmed record of fifteen S. palustris plants being sighted in 2005, but apart from that, no newer records are known.^[4][7]

The most significant threats to these species are competition from non-native and invasive plants such as pines and Hakea, an increased frequency and intensity of wildfires and habitat destruction associated with human activity.^[7]