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Encephalartos princeps
R.A.Dyer
Kei Cycad
Zamiaceae
Encephalartos princeps is a species of cycad in the family Zamiaceae. It is native to the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.
Description
Encephalartos princeps is a tree-sized cycad, solitary but usually suckering at the base, usually about 3 m tall. Leaves are rigid, 1 to 1.3 m long and 14 to 21 cm wide, pinnate, on a 15 to 26 cm long, 1 to 1.2 cm diameter stalk. They have numerous leaflets, 15 to 19 cm long and 1.3 to 2 cm wide, smaller near the base of the leaf. Leaflets are angled up near the tip of the leaf, are pointed at the tips, and sometimes toothed near the bottom of the leaflet. They have a silvery-bluish bloom on the leaf when young, aging to dull green. Male (pollen) cones are found in clusters of up to three. They are barrel shaped to ovoid, 16 to 26 cm tall and 8 to 10 cm wide, dull olive green. The stalk is 4 cm long but usually hidden. Sporophylls (cone “scales”) are faceted, 3.5 to 4 cm long, with the main facet being 5 to 6 mm high and 15 to 18 mm wide, and a beak that extends out 1.2 to 1.5 cm. Seeds are borne on separate plants. Female cones hold seeds, and are in clusters of up to three. They are dull olive green, barrel shaped to ovoid, about 30 to 40 cm long, 20 to 25 cm wide, on a short stalk. Sporophylls are faceted, 6 to 7 cm long, with the main facet being 3 to 3.5 cm high, 4 to 4.5 cm wide, projecting a few cm out, with a rough surface and sparse white or brown hairs. Seeds are about 2.4 to 2.6 cm long, 1.6 to 1.9 cm wide, with an outer layer (sarcotesta) that is red (Whitelock 2003).
Encephalartos princeps is most similar to Encephalartos lehmannii, which has a separate range that does not overlap with this species. Compared to E. lehmannii, this species is often grows up to 3 to 5 m tall, has overlapping leaflets near the tip of the leaf (compared to flatly inserted leaflets), has less swollen leafstalk bases, and has cones that are olive green and in clusters of up to four (compared to solitary cones that can be reddish in color) (Whitelock 2003).
Encephalartos princeps is most similar to Encephalartos lehmannii, which has a separate range that does not overlap with this species. Compared to E. lehmannii, this species is often grows up to 3 to 5 m tall, has overlapping leaflets near the tip of the leaf (compared to flatly inserted leaflets), has less swollen leafstalk bases, and has cones that are olive green and in clusters of up to four (compared to solitary cones that can be reddish in color) (Whitelock 2003).
Uses
Note: Please see the disclaimer regarding any information about medical or edible uses.
Encephalartos princeps can be grown as an ornamental. It prefers well-drained soil and lots of sunlight, and can tolerate some frost (Whitelock 2003).
Distribution
Encephalartos princeps is found on dry doleritic rocks and cliffs, usually at an elevation of around 770 m. It is native to Eastern Cape province, South Africa, in and around Butterworth, Cathcart, Komga, Tsomo, and Queenstown (Whitelock 2003).
Status
Encephalartos princeps is listed on the IUCN Red List as "Vulnerable". The species has undergone significant population decline, and is threatened by over-collecting, habitat destruction for agriculture, and an invasive species Lantana camara. 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 princeps. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. https://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T41922A10598237.en.
Whitelock, L. M. 2003. The Cycads. Portland: Timber Press.
Whitelock, L. M. 2003. The Cycads. Portland: Timber Press.
Description
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