Stangeria eriopus

Stangeria eriopus is a cycad endemic to southern Africa. It is the sole species in the genus Stangeria, most closely related to the Australian genus Bowenia, with which it forms the family Stangeriaceae, Stangeria eriopus is a slow-growing perennial which lives to a great age. The body of the plant consists of a large tuberous root which is swollen and carrot-shaped. The upper portion is the stem which branches and can form up to 10 heads. Each growing point of the stem produces one leaf at a time. When young, the leaf is rolled up at the tip (circinate) and fern-like, varying in length from 0.25-2 m depending on the habitat. A single cone is produced on each growing point. Cones seem to be produced throughout the year and are 100-250 x 30-40 mm. Male and female cones are borne on separate plants. The male cone is cylindrical and tapers at the apex. The female cone, 180 x 80 mm, is egg-shaped with a rounded tip.