Encephalartos transvenosus

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Modjadji cycad
Encephalartostransvenosus.jpg
CITES Appendix I (CITES) [2]
Scientific classification OOjs UI icon edit-ltr.svg
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Gymnospermae
Division: Cycadophyta
Class: Cycadopsida
Order: Cycadales
Family: Zamiaceae
Genus: Encephalartos
Species:
E. transvenosus
Binomial name
Encephalartos transvenosus
Stapf & Burtt-Davy

Encephalartos transvenosus is a palm-like cycad in the family Zamiaceae, with a localized distribution in Limpopo, South Africa. Its common names, Modjadji's cycad or Modjadji's palm, [3] allude to the female dynasty of the Lobedu people, the Rain Queens, whose hereditary name is Modjadji. The queen resides near a valley (of late a nature reserve) which is densely forested with these cycads, which they protected and hold sacred. [3] The species name transvenosus refers to the fine network of veins between the main veins. These can be seen when the leaf is held up to the light. [4]

Contents

Description

The cycad can reach a height of twelve meters with a thick trunk marked by a net-like pattern. It has shiny, spiny leaves arranged in a nearly straight pattern, each leaf reaching up to two and a half meters in length. The leaflets are wide, with the middle ones reaching about three centimeters in width, slightly curved, and with small teeth along the edges. The tree produces two to four large cones nestled among its leaves. The female cone can grow up to eighty centimeters long, weigh thirty-four kilograms, and contain bright orange-red seeds. [5]

Range

Modjadji's cycad grows in the mountains of Limpopo Province particularly on two hills east near Modjadjiskloof (formerly Duiwelskloof). It is a tall majestic tree and has been protected by generations of rainqueens. It forms pure forests on these hills, the only cycad forests in Southern Africa. [5]

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<i>Lepidozamia peroffskyana</i> Species of cycad

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<span class="mw-page-title-main">Modjadji Nature Reserve</span> Cycad nature reserve in Limpopo

Modjadji Nature Reserve, also known as the Modjadji Cycad Reserve, is situated near Modjadjiskloof, Limpopo province, South Africa. The reserve has an area of around 350 hectares. It encloses two steep ridges that are densely forested with the cycad Encephalartos transvenosus, the population of which is estimated at 15,000 individuals.

<i>Encephalartos altensteinii</i> Species of cycad

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<i>Encephalartos latifrons</i> Species of cycad

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<i>Encephalartos natalensis</i> Species of cycad

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<i>Encephalartos friderici-guilielmi</i> Species of cycad

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<i>Encephalartos eugene-maraisii</i> Species of plant

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<i>Encephalartos dolomiticus</i> Species of cycad

Encephalartos dolomiticus, the Wolkberg cycad, is a critically endangered species of cycad. It is only found in the Wolkberg at elevations of 1100–1500 meters. The area is near Penge in southeastern Limpopo Province, South Africa.

<i>Encephalartos cupidus</i> Species of cycad

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<i>Encephalartos laevifolius</i> Species of cycad

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<i>Encephalartos inopinus</i> Species of cycad

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<i>Encephalartos septentrionalis</i> Species of cycad

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Encephalartos dyerianus, known colloquially as the Lillie cycad, is a species of cycad that is native to hillsides in the lowveld of eastern Limpopo, South Africa.

<i>Encephalartos lanatus</i> Species of plant

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<i>Encephalartos nubimontanus</i> Species of cycad

Encephalartos nubimontanus is a species of cycad which is native to Limpopo, South Africa.

<i>Encephalartos tegulaneus</i> Species of cycad

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References

  1. Donaldson, J.S. (2010). "Encephalartos transvenosus". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species . 2010: e.T41945A10607974. doi: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T41945A10607974.en . Retrieved 19 November 2021.
  2. "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2024-01-17.
  3. 1 2 "A Dictionary of South African English". Dictionary Unit for South African English (DSAE). Oxford University Press (UK) & Associated Institute of Rhodes University. 1996. Retrieved 27 September 2015.
  4. "Encephalartos transvenosus". The Gymnosperm Database.
  5. 1 2 Palmer, Eve; Pitman, Norah (1972). Trees of Southern Africa.