Cycas angulata
| Cycas angulata | |
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| Species: | C. angulata
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| Binomial name | |
| Cycas angulata | |
Description
Cycas angulata whose name derives from the latin angulatus, which translates as "angular", probably reffering to the leaf arrangement. The stems are arborescent and frequently branched. The plant grows in excess of 30 feet tall, and 20 in in diameter at the base. Older specimens lose the leaf base scars and gain a more checkerboard appearance. As many as 40 leaves may be present in the plant's crown, usually 3 to 4 feet long, and as wide as 11 inches wide. The leaves are fully armed with spines in younger individuals (a few millimeters long) with this trait being lost in older individuals.
Female cones are open type, with sporophylls about 9 to 10 inches long, each with 6-12 ovules each. Entire sporphyll brown colored. Lamina is triangular ending in a sharp narrow spine. The male cones are solitary, erect, 8-10 inches long and about 6 inches wide in diameter.
Habitat
Native to the Northern territory and Queensland of Australia, this cycad grows along the lower reaches of the Foelsche and Robinson rivers, and on the Bountiful Islands of Carpentaria. The conservation status is likely secure, due to its remote habitat and healthy population of extant stands. The species is the largest Australia cycas plant, and seeds are presently available for buyers.