Encephalartos aemulans

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]

Encephalartos aemulans

Critically Endangered  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
CITES Appendix I (CITES)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Division: Cycadophyta
Class: Cycadopsida
Order: Cycadales
Family: Zamiaceae
Genus: Encephalartos
Species:
E. aemulans
Binomial name
Encephalartos aemulans
Vorster

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]

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References
  1. Donaldson, J.S. (2010). "Encephalartos aemulans". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species: e.T41765A10533658. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T41765A10533658.en.CS1 maint: uses authors parameter (link)
  2. "Encephalartos aemulans". PlantNET Home Page - National Herbarium of New South Wales. Retrieved 2019-09-17.


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