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