Classification of Plants 



239 



Encephalartos (Zamia). The stamen-bearing cones are 

 long and slender, and the scales are covered on the under 

 surface with microsporangia. These are arranged in sori, 

 reminding us of the ferns. The ovule-bearing cones are 

 shorter and thicker, each scale bearing a pair of ovules. The 

 thick unbranched trunk, rough with the bases of fallen leaves, 

 has a palm-like appearance. 



There are twelve species found in the Eastern Province and Natal. 

 They are found along ledges in ravines, and extend as far west as the 

 Kroome River. They form quite a special feature of the Fish River Bush, 

 and extend from near the sea-level to an altitude of 5000 feet. 



FIG. 213. Young plant of Encephalartos villosus, Lehm. Showing apo- 

 geotropic breathing roots. By kindness of Miss Pegler. (Photograph by P. S. 

 Laney, Esq.) 



Stangeria is a curious plant, with a few leaves crowning 

 its turnip-shaped trunk. The feathered venation of the leaves 

 distinguishes them from those of Encephalartos. It dwells 

 in Natal, and comes as far south as Lower Albany. 



