Encephalartos delucanus SEEDS

Encephalartos delucanus is a notable species of cycad native to Africa. This species is distinguished by several unique characteristics:

1. Physical Description: Encephalartos delucanus is an acaule plant, meaning it has a very short or virtually non-existent stem. The stem is about 12 cm high and 10–20 cm in diameter and is covered with densely tomentose cataphyllans. The leaves of this cycad are quite prominent, measuring between 50–65 cm in length. These leaves consist of 25-35 pairs of leathery leaflets that are arranged alternately on the spine. These leaflets are reduced to thorns towards the base of the petiole and are tomentose (covered with dense, matted, woolly hairs) on the dorsal side while being glabrous (smooth and hairless) on the ventral side​.

2. Reproductive Characteristics: Encephalartos delucanus is a dioecious species, meaning that individual plants are either male or female. However, as of the latest information, only male specimens of this species have been described. The male plants have one or, in rare cases, two cylindrical cones. These cones are green, measuring 10–20 cm in length and 2–3 cm in breadth​.

3. Habitat: This species is endemic to the Rukwa Region of western Tanzania. Its natural habitat is limited to a few specific areas within this region, including the Mpanda area, near Mount Kasima, Mount Sitebi, and the Lugala Hills​.

4. Conservation Status: Encephalartos delucanus is classified as an endangered species. This status reflects the species' limited distribution and the specific threats it faces in its natural habitat. Conservation efforts are crucial for the survival of this species, given its limited and specialized habitat​.

The particular features of Encephalartos delucanus, such as its short stem and distinctive leaf arrangement, along with its endangered status, make it an important species for conservation efforts in the cycad family. The specialized nature of its habitat in Tanzania further underscores the need for targeted conservation strategies.