Stangeriaceae

• Stangeria eriopus

• Query IPNI
• Common Name: Natal Grass Cycad
• Family: Stangeriaceae (Pilger) L. Johnson

• Country of Origin: South Africa: East Cape to Natal
• Habitat: open and dense evergreen forests, and short grassland

• Description: [syn. S. paradoxa T. Moore]

  Fern-like perennial cycad with trunk partially subterranean and to 30 cm above ground; sometimes branching and each bearing 1-4 pinnate leathery leaves from 50 cm to 2 meters in length; the few pinnae linear-lanceolate and spiny-toothed; cones silvery pubescent, the males cyclindrical, female ones shorter and ovoid.

  Southeast coast of South Africa between 27°S and 33°S and within 50 km of the sea, although remote from salt spray. Habitat open and dense evergreen forests, and short grassland. Soils includes sands and heavy black clays. Rainfall 750 to 1000 mm, with a summer maximum. Frosts are rare