Flolape

Natal Cycad

Encephalartos natalensis R.A.Dyer & I.Verd.
Natal Cycad
Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA-4.0)

Encephalartos natalensis, known as the Natal Cycad, is a cycad species native to the Qumbu and Tabankulu regions in the Eastern Cape and much of KwaZulu-Natal. It is classified as 'near threatened' by the IUCN due to a declining population of mature individuals.

Description

Encephalartos natalensis is a member of the Zamiaceae family and is found in parts of Africa, particularly in the Global and KwaZulu-Natal regions. This species was first described in 1951 by R.A. Dyer and I. Verd. Its natural range is limited to specific areas in the northern part of the Eastern Cape and throughout most of KwaZulu-Natal. Conservation efforts are necessary due to the observed decline in the number of mature individuals.

Other common names

Natal CycadNatal Giant Cycad

Distribution

Africa · Global · KwaZulu-Natal

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