Stangeria eriopus

Stangeria eriopus has pinnately-veined, fern-like leaves that distinguish it from all other cycads. The species occurs as two variable forms or varieties. The forest form, growing in regions with higher rainfall, is characterized by large, wide leaves that can reach up to 2 m in length. The grassland form, growing in regions subject to annual fire and drought, has shorter leaves with a thicker cuticle that may only be 30 cm long. In both varieties the petiole comprises one third to one half of the overall leaf length.

Stangeria eriopus in coastal lowland forest, South Africa Conservation status Near Threatened (IUCN 3.1) Scientific classification Kingdom: Plantae Division: Cycadophyta Class: Cycadopsida Order: Cycadales Family: Stangeriaceae Genus: Stangeria Species: S. More

Stangeria eriopus (Kunze) Baillon * Query IPNI * Common Name: Natal Grass Cycad * Family: Stangeriaceae (Pilger) L. More