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Cycas taiwaniana

Cycas taiwaniana·Cycadaceae·The specific epithet 'taiwaniana' is derived from Taiwan, referencing the location where the original type specimens were found.

Cycas taiwaniana is a species of plant belonging to the genus Cycas. It is native to several provinces in China, including Yunnan, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Fujian. Despite its scientific epithet suggesting a connection to Taiwan, the species is not naturally found there; the original specimens used for its description were later reclassified under a different species, Cycas taitungensis.

Key Facts

  • Native to Yunnan, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Fujian in China.
  • The specific epithet 'taiwaniana' is derived from Taiwan, but the species is not naturally found there.
  • Original type specimens for Cycas taiwaniana were reclassified under Cycas taitungensis.
  • It is a species within the genus Cycas.
Cycas taiwaniana
Native Range

Yunnan, China, Guangdong, China, Guangxi, China, Fujian, China

About Cycas taiwaniana

Cycas taiwaniana is a species of plant recognized within the genus Cycas. Its native distribution is confined to several provinces in China, specifically Yunnan, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Fujian. The species' name, 'taiwaniana,' originates from Taiwan, as the initial type specimens used for its formal description were discovered on the island.

However, it is important to note that Cycas taiwaniana is not naturally found in Taiwan. The botanical classification of the original specimens has since been revised, and they are now understood to belong to a different species, Cycas taitungensis. This reclassification means that while the name reflects the origin of the historical samples, it does not indicate the current natural range of Cycas taiwaniana.

Source: Wikipedia ↗

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Cycas taiwaniana naturally found?

Cycas taiwaniana is native to the provinces of Yunnan, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Fujian in China. It is not naturally distributed in Taiwan, despite its scientific name suggesting a connection.

What is the origin of the name 'taiwaniana' for this cycad?

The specific epithet 'taiwaniana' was derived from Taiwan because the original type specimens used for describing the species were found there. However, these specimens were later reclassified.

Has the classification of Cycas taiwaniana changed?

Yes, the original type specimens that were used to describe Cycas taiwaniana have since been reclassified. They are now considered to belong to a different species, Cycas taitungensis.