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Encephalartos natalensis
R.A.Dyer & I.Verd.
Natal Cycad
Zamiaceae
Encephalartos natalensis is a species of cycad in the family Zamiaceae. It is restricted to the eastern coast of South Africa, around KwaZulu-Natal province, hence its name.
Description
Encephalartos natalensis is a tree-sized but often suckering cycad, usually 3 to 4 m tall but sometimes 6 m tall, with a trunk that is around 30 to 40 cm in diameter. Leaves are glossy dark green, 1.3 to 3.2 m long and 32 to 46 cm wide, pinnate, on a 10 to 20 cm long stalk that is 2.6 to 2 cm in diameter. Leaflets are angled upwards and slightly twisted at the end of the leaf. They have many pairs of leaflets, 16 to 23 cm long and 2.5 to 4.5 cm wide, slightly toothed when young, but have smooth edges and lack prickles when mature. They are reduced to lobes and spines near the base of the leaf. Male (pollen) cones are in clusters of up to five, narrow, erect, 45 to 55 cm tall and 10 to 12 cm wide, yellow, lighter than the female cones, woolly at first but then becoming smooth. The stalk is 2 to 4 cm long and 2.5 cm in diameter. Sporophylls (cone “scales”) are about 3.5 cm long, angled and faceted, with the terminal face being 10 to 12 mm by 20 to 22 mm wide, sticking out 15 to 20 mm. Seeds are borne on separate plants. Female cones hold seeds, and are in clusters of up to five. They are bright yellow, ovoid, about 50 to 60 cm long, 25 to 30 cm wide, on a very short stalk. Sporophylls are angled and faceted, with terminal faces that are 3 to 4 cm high, 4.5 to 5 cm wide, sticking out, rough. Seeds are about 30 to 34 cm long, about 1.7 cm wide, with longitudinal ridges (Whitelock 2003).
Uses
Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
Encephalartos natalensis is sometimes grown as an ornamental. The bark of this species is sold in markets, and its pith was used as a flour substitute in times of famine (Mothogoane 2011).
Distribution
Encephalartos natalensis is found on cliffs or steep hills, a considerable distance away from the coast. It is native to the eastern coast of South Africa, from the Eastern Cape province to the KwaZulu-Natal province (Whitelock 2003).
Status
Encephalartos natalensis is listed on the IUCN Red List as "Near Threatened". It is threatened by habitat destruction for mining, as well as harvesting for its bark. It is listed in Appendix I of CITES, an international treaty regulating the trade of endangered species (Donaldson 2010).
References
Donaldson, J. S. 2010. Encephalartos natalensis. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T41937A10605143.en. Downloaded on 07 February 2019.
Mothogoane, M. S. 2011. Encephalartos natalensis. PlantZAfrica. [accessed 2019 Feb 07]. http://pza.sanbi.org/encephalartos-natalensis.
Whitelock, L. M. 2003. The Cycads. Portland: Timber Press.
Mothogoane, M. S. 2011. Encephalartos natalensis. PlantZAfrica. [accessed 2019 Feb 07]. http://pza.sanbi.org/encephalartos-natalensis.
Whitelock, L. M. 2003. The Cycads. Portland: Timber Press.
Description
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