Cycad

Encephalartos aemulans Vorster

Encephalartos aemulans, known as the Ngotshe cycad, is a cycad species native to South Africa. It is critically endangered, with only 100-250 individuals remaining, and is protected under CITES Appendix I. The species is threatened primarily by the collection of wild specimens.

Description

Encephalartos aemulans belongs to the Zamiaceae family and is part of the genus Encephalartos. It is found in Africa, particularly in KwaZulu-Natal, and has a global distribution due to cultivation and trade. The species was first described in 1990 by Vorster. Its population is declining, and conservation efforts are needed to prevent its extinction.