Encephalartos lehmanii  Encephalartos lehmanii, commonly known as the Karoo cycad, is endemic to Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. Cycads are the oldest seed plants, pre-dating dinosaurs in the fossil record. Wild populations of Encephalartos lehmannii are threatened by habitat destruction and collection of plants for horticultural and medicinal uses. Their slow growth rate and infrequent reproduction limit the ability of populations to recover from these disturbances. Measures being taken to protect this rare plant include conservation of plant material in botanical gardens and seed banks, enforcement of legislation controlling trade in cycads, and protection of wild populations. |
