Encephalartos barteri
The growth form is not explicitly described, but cycads generally exhibit a stout trunk with a crown of leaves.·Not specified
Encephalartos barteri is a species of dioecious cycad native to West Africa, found in countries including Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo. It is characterized by distinct male and female cones, with the male cones being spindle-shaped and yellow, and the female cones being larger, ovoid, and green. Its seeds are oblong and enclosed in a red sarcotesta.
Key Facts
- ›Native to Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo.
- ›Dioecious, with separate male and female plants.
- ›Male cones are spindle-shaped, yellow, measuring 8–23 cm long.
- ›Female cones are ovoid, green, and larger, measuring 15–35 cm long.
- ›Seeds are oblong, 20–30 mm long, and have a red sarcotesta.
Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, Togo
- Male cones are spindle-shaped, yellow, and measure 8–23 cm long and 3–5 cm in diameter.
- Female cones are ovoid, green, and larger, measuring 15–35 cm long and 8–15 cm in diameter.
- Male cones have broad, rhombic-shaped microsporophylls.
- Female cones have macrosporophylls with a warty surface.
Oblong seeds, 20–30 mm long, 18–23 mm wide., Seeds are covered by a red sarcotesta.
About Encephalartos barteri
Encephalartos barteri is a species of cycad indigenous to West Africa, with its natural distribution spanning across Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo. This dioecious species is distinguished by its separate male and female reproductive structures, a characteristic common among cycads.
Botanical Description
The reproductive cones of Encephalartos barteri exhibit clear sexual dimorphism. Male cones are typically spindle-shaped, presenting a vibrant yellow hue, and range in size from 8 to 23 cm in length with a diameter of 3 to 5 cm. These cones feature broad, rhombic microsporophylls. In contrast, the female cones are larger and more substantial, possessing an ovoid shape and a green coloration. They measure between 15 and 35 cm in length and 8 to 15 cm in diameter, with their macrosporophylls characterized by a distinctly warty surface. The seeds produced by the female cones are oblong, measuring 20–30 mm in length and 18–23 mm in width, and are notably covered by a red sarcotesta.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Encephalartos barteri found naturally?
Encephalartos barteri is native to several West African countries. It can be found in Benin, Ghana, Nigeria, and Togo.
What are the characteristics of the cones of Encephalartos barteri?
This species has separate male and female cones. Male cones are spindle-shaped and yellow, typically 8–23 cm long, while female cones are larger, ovoid, and green, ranging from 15–35 cm in length.
What do the seeds of Encephalartos barteri look like?
The seeds of Encephalartos barteri are oblong in shape, measuring between 20–30 mm in length and 18–23 mm in width. They are distinguished by a red outer covering known as a sarcotesta.
Is Encephalartos barteri a male or female plant?
Encephalartos barteri is dioecious, which means that individual plants are either male or female. You will find separate male and female plants within the species.
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