Species of cycad
Encephalartos inopinus is a species of cycad (Family Zamiaceae)
that is native to Limpopo Province, South Africa.[3]
Description
This palm-like cycad grows up to 3 meters tall with stems that are 15–25 cm in diameter. Its leaves are 100–150 cm long, either blue or semi-glossy silver. The leaflets are 14–20 cm long, lanceolate, and have a toothed margin. They grow in pairs at a 180° angle along the rachis. The plant is dioecious, meaning it has separate male and female specimens. Male specimens have 1-3 green ovoid cones that are 18–25 cm long and 6–8 cm in diameter with green to silvery color.[4] Female specimens have 1-2 oval cones of the same color, which are larger at 30–35 cm long and 12 cm in diameter. In Bothalia both male and female cones are described as being silvery in color.[5] Both types of cones appear in January, which is the middle of summer in the southern hemisphere. The seeds are 20–25 mm long, 15–20 mm wide, and covered with an orange sarcotesta (similar to an aril). Both the macrosporophylls and microsporophylls have a flat, smooth, and glabrous surface.[6][7]
Etymology
Encephalartos is Greek and means 'bear's head'. Inopinus is Latin and means 'unexpected'.
References
External links
