Encephalartos arenarius (lat.) - an evergreen tree plant of the genus Encephalartos ( Encephalartos ).
| Encephalartos arenarius |
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| Scientific classification |
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| The kingdom : | Green plants |
| Department: | Cycotic ( Cycadophyta Bessey , 1907 ) |
| View: | Encephalartos arenarius |
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| International Scientific Name |
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Encephalartos arenarius RADyer , 1956 |
| Security status |
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Endangered speciesIUCN 3.1 Endangered : 41900 |
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The trunk is 1 m high, 20-30 cm in diameter. Leaves 100-150 cm long, blue or silver, semi-gloss; the ridge is green, slightly curved; straight cutting without spines. Leaf fragments ovoid; medium - 12–16 cm long, 30–40 mm wide. Pollen cones 1, narrowly ovate, green, 30-50 cm long, 8-15 cm in diameter. Seed cones 1, ovoid, green, 50-60 cm long, 25-30 cm in diameter. Seeds ovoid, 40-50 mm long, 20-25 mm wide, sarcotesta red.
Distributed in a small area of the Eastern Cape in South Africa. The main subpopulations are located near the city of Alexandria. Occurs at an altitude of 100 to 200 m above sea level. Plants grow in densely wooded coastal dune forests and shrubs. Most of the plants are on moderately steep slopes in sandy soil on stabilized dunes.
A serious threat to this species is the collection of collectors. This was the main reason for the reduction in the last 50 years. Some of them were also destroyed as a result of habitat destruction (to make room for pastures). The population is within the Addo National Park.
