Description

One of a group of dwarf central African species (the E. poggei complex) that also includes E. delucanus, E. marunguensis and E. schmitzii.

Plants acaulescent; stem 0.11-0.25 m tall, 20-33 cm diam; 6-13 leaves in crown.

Leaves 75-120 cm long, blue green, dull, strongly keeled (opposing leaflets inserted at 70-80° on rachis), with 96-117 leaflets; rachis yellowish, straight, stiff, not spirally twisted; petiole straight, with 6-12 prickles, spine-free for 20 cm; leaf-base collar not present; basal leaflets reducing to spines.

Leaflets lanceolate, strongly discolorous, not overlapping, not lobed, insertion angle obtuse (45-80°); margins flat; upper margin entire (no teeth), or lightly toothed (1-3 teeth); lower margin entire (no teeth), or lightly toothed (1-3 teeth); median leaflets 12-17 cm long, 14-18 mm wide.

Pollen cones 15-17 cm long, 4-4.5 cm diam.

Seed cones 1-2, ovoid, 29 cm long, 15 cm diam.

Distribution & Habitat

Southeastern Democratic Republic of Congo

Notes:

Described in 1993 by botanists and horticulturists - Malaisse, J.P. Sclavo and -- Crosiers. Honoring Schaijes, collector of cycads.

References & Acknowledgements:

• Image - Ken Hill
• Royal Botanic Gardens Sydney