Etymology: Latin aemulans, equalling, from the very similar seed and pollen cones. Literature: Illustrations: Vernacular: Historical notes: Described in 1990 by South African botanist Piet Vorster. Distinguishing features: Distribution and habitat: Known from a single mountain in Natal Province, South Africa, in low shrubland on sandstone screes and cliffs. Conservation: 1997 IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants. category E. Description:
Plants arborescent; stem 3 m tall, 35 cm diam. Leaves 120-200 cm long, light or bright green, highly glossy, flat (not keeled) in section (opposing leaflets inserted at 180° on rachis); rachis yellowish, straight, stiff, not spirally twisted; petiole straight, with 1-6 prickles; leaf-base collar not present; basal leaflets reducing to spines. Leaflets lanceolate, weakly discolorous, overlapping downwards, not lobed, insertion angle obtuse (45-80°); margins flat; upper margin lightly toothed (1-3 teeth); lower margin lightly toothed (1-3 teeth); median leaflets 12-15 cm long, 16-18 mm wide. Pollen cones 1-4, ovoid, yellow, 29-38 cm long, 14-18 cm diam. Seed cones 1-4, ovoid, green to yellow, 35-40 cm long, 20-23 cm diam. Seeds oblong, 25-30 mm long, 15-20 mm wide, sarcotesta red.
|
