Stangeria paradoxa

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Natal Grass Cycad
• Stanger's cycad

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Lomaria eriopus
• Stangeria katzeri
• Stangeria paradoxa
• Stangeria schizodon

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Cycadidae. Within the order Cycadales, it is classified under the family Zamiaceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Stangeria.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is native to the diverse landscapes found within Southern Africa. Its primary distribution encompasses the various regions of the Cape Provinces. Additionally, it can be found growing within the subtropical environments of KwaZulu-Natal. These specific areas provide the necessary ecological conditions for its natural survival. Consequently, its range is concentrated within these distinct southern territories.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Stangeria eriopus is characterized by its presence across a diverse range of topographical gradients, occupying various niche environments within its native habitats. This species demonstrates significant adaptability to varying altitudes, thriving in ecological zones that span from low-lying areas at a minimum elevation of 15 m AMSL to higher-altitude terrains reaching a maximum elevation of 1300 m AMSL. This wide elevational range suggests that the plant can tolerate a variety of climatic conditions and moisture regimes associated with different montane and lowland settings.

Elevational range max:

1300 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

15 m AMSL

Life history

The life history of Stangeria eriopus is characterized by its status as a perennial species, allowing it to persist in its habitat through multiple growing seasons. In terms of its architectural growth strategy and life form, the plant is classified as a chamaephyte, a designation that reflects its specific structural positioning and survival mechanisms within its ecological niche.

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Stangeria eriopus is characterized by its growth form as a woody herb, exhibiting a self-supporting structure rather than acting as a climber. It typically reaches a plant height of approximately 0.4 m. While it possesses a terrestrial habit, its ecological niche can span aquatic, semiaquatic, and terrestrial environments. As an independent organism, it does not function as a parasite, and its epiphytic status is strictly terrestrial.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height min:

0.4 m

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Stangeria eriopus has 1 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Tannins.

Tannins

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Activities

Stangeria eriopus has 1 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Emetic.

Emetic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Conditions

Stangeria eriopus has 2 reported investigations on conditions identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include emetic, high blood pressure.

Emetic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

High blood pressure

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Preparations

Stangeria eriopus has 2 reported preparations identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include emetic, magical potions.

Emetic

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology

Magical potions

1. Journal of ethnopharmacology