Dormancy and germination ecology of two Harpagophytum species (Pedaliaceae) from an open Acacia savanna in Botswana were investigated. The maintenance of dormancy is governed partly by the seed coat but mainly by the endosperm and the embryo itself, as demonstrated by removal of the endosperm. Dissemination of the seed from the fruit can be delayed for several years without affecting the viability of the embryo, due to very low respiration rates.

Germination can be enhanced slightly by high temperatures under natural conditions, and by gibberellic acid or removal of the endosperm under laboratory conditions. Relative growth rates for both Harpagophytum species are lower than for subtropical grasses and legumes, due to a strong investment in root and tuber biomass. Germination and seedling growth is discussed in relation to the drought avoidance syndrome and the animal disperser syndrome.

In the recent past many international conservation institutions, including the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), have addressed the relationship between their work and poverty. The empirical evidence suggests that while it is not the case that large numbers of the global poor are engaged in trading CITES-listed species, in particular cases the trade in such species may be important to the livelihoods of the poor at the local level. The approach of CITES to poverty issues has evolved over time. Prompted in part by their experience of the trade in Harpagophytum spp. the Parties to CITES, at the last two meetings of the Conference of the Parties, adopted decisions that accepted an obligation to take into account the impacts of CITES listings on the livelihoods of the poor and initiated a process to assist countries that wish to do this. These decisions, while respecting the primary focus of the CITES Convention on conservation, have some affinities with the ‘Do no harm’ approach to the livelihoods of the poor. The process will produce guidelines and rapid assessment tools. If these guidelines and tools are to be effective they will need to take account of the context-specific nature of solutions in this area. The CITES case provides lessons for other international conservation institutions whose activities affect the livelihoods of the poor at the local level.