Lepidozamia
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Lepidozamia is a genus of two species of cycad, native to Australia. The name, derived from the Greek word lepidos, meaning scaly, refers to the scale-like structure of the stem and leaf bases. They are native to rainforest climates in eastern Queensland and eastern New South Wales. They have a chromosome number of 2n = 18.
- Species
- Lepidozamia hopei
- Lepidozamia peroffskyana
A specimen of L. hopei is known as the tallest living cycad at 17.5 m tall. These cycads are generally unbranched, tall, and with persistent leaf bases. They are easily cultivated as ornamental plants and are relatively cold hardy; L. peroffskyana was first described by a specimen grown at St. Petersburg's botanical garden in 1857.
[edit] References
- The Cycad Pages: Lepidozamia
- Whitelock, L.M. 2002. The Cycads. Portland, Oregon: The Timber Press. 2002
