Encephalartos manikensis
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Gymnospermae
Division: Cycadophyta
Class: Cycadopsida
Order: Cycadales
Family: Zamiaceae
Genus: Encephalartos
Species:
E. manikensis
Binomial name
Encephalartos manikensis
Gilliland 1939

Encephalartos manikensis (Gorongo Cycad, Gorongowe Cycad) is a species of cycad that is native to Mozambique and Zimbabwe.[1]

Description

This cycad has a tree-like structure, growing up to 1.5 m tall, sometimes with additional stems growing from its base. Its feather-like leaves, forming a crown at the top of the stem, are 1–2 m long, supported by a 5–6 cm long petiole, and consist of around 60 pairs of lance-shaped leaflets. These leaflets may have 1-2 spines on both their upper and lower edges, and they are attached to the stem at a 180° angle, tapering to thorns near the petiole. This species is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female plants. Male plants produce 1-4 erect, cylindrical-ovoid cones that are 25–65 cm long and 15–22 cm wide, light green in color. Female plants bear 1-2 ovoid cones that are 30–45 cm long and 20–25 cm wide. The seeds are roughly ovoid, 3–5 cm long, and have a bright red sarcotesta.[2]

References

  1. ↑ "Encephalartos manikensis in Tropicos".
  2. ↑ Gilliland, (Gilliland) (2012-07-24). "Flora of Mozambique: Species information: Encephalartos manikensis". mozambiqueflora.com. Retrieved 2024-01-03.


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