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Etymology: Latin macros, large strobilus, a pine cone, in reference to the large cones.
Literature:
Illustrations:
Vernacular:
Historical notes: Described in 1997 by South African horiculturists S. Jones and J. Wynants.
Distinguishing features:
Distribution and habitat:
Conservation: Not listed in the 1997 IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants.
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Plants arborescent; stem 2.5 m tall, 30-45 cm diam; 35-60 leaves in crown.
Leaves 190-220 cm long, dark green, semiglossy, flat (not keeled) in section (opposing leaflets inserted at 180° on rachis); rachis green, straight, stiff or straight with last third sharply recurved, not spirally twisted; petiole straight, with 1-6 prickles, spine-free for 12-15 cm; leaf-base collar not present; basal leaflets reducing to spines.
Leaflets lanceolate, strongly discolorous, not overlapping, not lobed, insertion angle horizontal; margins flat; upper margin heavily toothed (more than 3 teeth); lower margin entire (no teeth); median leaflets 19-25 cm long, 25-30 mm wide.
Pollen cones 6-14, narrowly ovoid, green, 18-20 cm long, 4.5-5 cm diam.
Seed cones 3, ovoid, green, 80 cm long, 30 cm diam.
Seeds oblong, 32-36 mm long, 19-22 mm wide, sarcotesta orange.
| The Cycad Pages © 1998-2002 Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney Written and maintained by Ken Hill Please send comments and corrections |