Encephalartos aemulans
| Encephalartos aemulans | |
|---|---|
| |
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Gymnospermae |
| Division: | Cycadophyta |
| Class: | Cycadopsida |
| Order: | Cycadales |
| Family: | Zamiaceae |
| Genus: | Encephalartos |
| Species: | E. aemulans
|
| Binomial name | |
| Encephalartos aemulans Vorster
| |
Encephalartos aemulans, the Ngotshe cycad, is a species of cycad endemic to South Africa. It is listed by the IUCN as Critically Endangered and by CITES in Appendix I. Only 100-250 are believed to be left, with a decreasing population trend. Its main threat is collecting of wild specimens.[1]
Description
These plants have an erect stem, without branches, which can reach 3 m in height and 35 cm in diameter.
The leaves, up to 2 m long, are composed of lanceolate leaflets, with margins endowed with small spines, 12–15 cm long and arranged on the rachis in the opposite way to 135º.
It is a dioecious species, endowed with ovoid male cones, sessile, yellow in color, 29–38 cm long and 14–18 cm broad, with broad and rhombic microsporophylls. The female cones have a yellow-green color, are 35–40 cm long and 20–23 cm broad, with macrosporophylls with a warty surface.
The seeds have an oblong shape, are 25–30 mm long and are covered with a red flesh.[2]
Distribution and habitat
The species is endemic to KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, were a single population is known. It occurs among sandstone cliffs in shortgrass savannah at altitudes of 1,000-1,100 m, with individual specimens found at lower altitudes.[1]
References
- ^ a b c "Encephalartos aemulans". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: e.T41765A10533658. 2010. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T41765A10533658.en.
{{cite journal}}: Cite uses deprecated parameter|authors=(help) - ^ "Encephalartos aemulans". PlantNET Home Page - National Herbarium of New South Wales. Retrieved 2019-09-17.
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