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Photo Anders Lindstrom
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The Cycad Pages
| Cycas montana
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- Cycas montana A.Lindstr. & K.D.Hill, "Telopea 12(3):396–397, fig. 3. " (2009). H—BO
- "TYPE: Indonesia, Flores, Mangarai province, Nggoang district, Ndara, Wae Moto village, 400 m, Lindstrom 248, 27 Apr 2000 (holo BO, iso UBC)."
Etymology:
from the montain habitat.
Distinguishing features:
Cycas montana is distinguished from other species in the
region by the absence of a spongy endotesta, the green (non-glaucous) leaves, the
persistent brown tomentum on the petiole, and the stiff, narrow leaflets.
Distribution and habitat:
endemic on Flores, restricted to inland montane
forests at higher altitudes.
Conservation status:
Not thought to be at risk, although not reserved.
IUCN (2001) Red List
status NT.
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Photo Anders Lindstrom
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Description:
Stems arborescent, to 1.5 m. tall.
Leaves deep green, glossy, 223–248 cm long, 144–151 leaflets, with persistent brown tomentum; petiole 63–72 cm long (25–30% of total leaf), spinescent for c. 20% of length; basal leaflets not gradually reducing to spines, to 230 mm long.
Median leaflets simple, strongly discolorous, 230–248 mm long, 8–10 mm wide, decurrent for 7 mm, narrowed to 3–4 mm at base (30–40% of maximum width), 10–15 mm apart on rachis; section slightly keeled; margins distinctly recurved; apex acute or aristate, spinescent; midrib
flat above, raised below, narrow.
Cataphylls narrowly triangular, soft.
Pollen cones not seen.
Megasporophylls 20–35 cm long, tomentum orange, persistent; ovules 2–6, glabrous; lamina lanceolate, 45–100 mm long, 20–40 mm wide, shallowly pectinate, with 14–40 pungent lateral spines 9–13 mm long, 1.5 mm wide; apical spine distinct
from lateral spines, 25–40 mm long, 5–8 mm wide at base.
Seeds ovoid, 50–55 mm long, 30–45 mm wide; sarcotesta amber-brown, not pruinose; fibrous layer present; sclerotesta smooth, spongy endotesta absent.
The Cycad Pages
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© 1998-2012 Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney
Written and maintained by Ken Hill 1998-2010
Maintained by Leonie Stanberg and Dennis Stevenson 2010-2012
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