Encephalartos concinnus
Steep, rocky, misty valleys and woodlands.·Tree-like·Data Deficient
Encephalartos concinnus, commonly known as the Runde cycad, is a striking cycad species native to Zimbabwe. This tree-like plant is characterized by its hairy stem and long, pinnate leaves with numerous thin leaflets. It is dioecious, producing distinct male and female cones, and its seeds are enclosed in a fleshy sarcotesta.
Key Facts
- ›Endemic to Zimbabwe.
- ›Can grow up to 2.5–3 meters tall with a hairy stem.
- ›Leaves are long, up to 200 cm, with thin, spiny leaflets.
- ›Dioecious, with separate male and female cone-bearing plants.
- ›Male cones are cylindrical (30–50 cm long), female cones are oval (35–45 cm long).
- ›Threatened by overcollection.
Runde Cycad
Zimbabwe
Up To 2.5–3 m Tall, 35–45 cm Wide, Covered In Soft Hairs
- 150–200 cm in length
- About 50 pairs of thin leaflets
- Leaflets have small spines on the edges
- Leaflets positioned at a 45-80° angle from the stem
- Male Cones: Green, 30–50 cm Long, 7–10 cm Wide
- Female Cones: Green, 35–45 cm Long, 15–20 cm Wide, Oval-Shaped
Oblong, 30–35 mm In Length, 8–23 mm In Width, Covered In A Brown Sarcotesta
Overcollection
About Encephalartos concinnus
Encephalartos concinnus: The Runde Cycad
Encephalartos concinnus, commonly known as the Runde cycad, is a distinctive cycad species endemic to Zimbabwe. This plant is characterized by its tree-like form, capable of reaching heights of 2.5 to 3 meters, with a trunk diameter of 35 to 45 cm that is notably covered in soft hairs. Its foliage consists of long leaves, which can extend up to 2 meters, each adorned with numerous pairs of slender leaflets. These leaflets bear small spines along their edges and are arranged at an angle of 45 to 80 degrees relative to the central leaf stem, contributing to the plant's unique appearance.
Botanical Features and Reproduction
The Runde cycad is dioecious, meaning that separate male and female plants exist, each bearing reproductive cones. The male cones are typically green, measuring between 30 to 50 cm in length and 7 to 10 cm in width. In contrast, the female cones are also green and oval-shaped, but are generally larger, ranging from 35 to 45 cm in length and 15 to 20 cm in width. Following pollination, the plant produces oblong seeds, measuring 30 to 35 mm in length and 8 to 23 mm in width, which are enveloped by a fleshy, brown outer layer known as a sarcotesta.
Distribution and Conservation
Encephalartos concinnus thrives in challenging environments, typically found in steep, rocky, and misty valleys, as well as woodlands. The species' natural distribution is limited to Zimbabwe, where three distinct subpopulations have been identified. These are located in Gwanda, Matabeleland South; Mberengwa, Midlands; and the Runde region of Masvingo. Unfortunately, the Runde cycad faces significant conservation challenges, with overcollection by plant enthusiasts being a primary threat. The unchecked demand for this cycad has led to the potential extirpation of one of its known subpopulations, highlighting the urgent need for protective measures to ensure its survival in the wild.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Encephalartos concinnus?
Encephalartos concinnus, also called the Runde cycad, is a species of cycad found exclusively in Zimbabwe. It is recognized for its tree-like growth habit and distinctive hairy stem.
Where does the Runde cycad grow naturally?
This cycad species is indigenous to Zimbabwe, specifically found in steep, rocky, misty valleys and woodlands. There are three known subpopulations located in Gwanda, Mberengwa, and the Runde region.
What are the characteristics of Encephalartos concinnus leaves?
The leaves of Encephalartos concinnus are substantial, measuring 150–200 cm in length. They are composed of approximately 50 pairs of thin leaflets, each featuring small spines along the edges and attached at a 45-80° angle to the central stem.
How do Encephalartos concinnus reproduce?
Encephalartos concinnus is dioecious, meaning individual plants are either male or female. Male cones are green and cylindrical, while female cones are also green but are oval-shaped. They reproduce via seeds produced within these cones.
What are the conservation concerns for Encephalartos concinnus?
The Runde cycad is facing threats, primarily due to overcollection by enthusiasts. One of its three known subpopulations may have already been extirpated as a result of this collection pressure.
Related Cycad species
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