Eastern Cape Blue Cycad
Encephalartos horridus (Jacq.) Lehm.
Encephalartos horridus, the Eastern Cape Blue Cycad, is a small cycad native to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. It grows up to 0.9 m in height and width, typically in arid shrublands on ridges and slopes with shallow soils. The plant is recognized for its blue-gray leaves, with coloration varying among individuals. The species name refers to the stiff, spiny leaflets.
Description
Encephalartos horridus belongs to the family Zamiaceae and is part of the genus Encephalartos. It is found in the Cape Provinces and is adapted to arid environments. The plant's common name, Eastern Cape Blue Cycad, reflects its geographic origin and leaf coloration. The species was first described in 1834 by (Jacq.) Lehm.
Other common names
Eastern Cape Blue Cycad
Distribution
Africa · Global · Cape Provinces
Synonyms
Zamia tricuspidataZamia aureaZamia nanaZamia horridaZamia gleinaEncephalartos altensteinii var. eriocephalusEncephalartos horridus var. nanusEncephalartos horridus var. van-halliiEncephalartos nanusEncephalartos van-halliiZamia nanaEncephalartos horridus var. hallianusEncephalartos horridus var. horridus