the genus
STANGERIA

For William Stanger, a surveyor general of Natal, South Africa.

Suborder: Zamiineae
Family: Stangeriaceae
Subfamily: Stangerioideae

Stangeria is the only cycad genus other than Microcycas with only a single species, "eriopus", derived from "erio", Greek for woolly, and "pes", foot, no doubt referring to the tomentum covering newly emergent leaves. Stangeria grow wild in KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, inhabiting a narrow strip between a half mile of the coast to 50 miles inland. The mature leaves are pinnate and fern-like, 1' - 6' long. The heavy harvesting of these plants for their medicinal value is a threat such that Stangeria eriopus is listed in Appendix I of CITES.

Culture: Stangeria prefer sandy soils rich in humus and somewhat acidic. The soil should be kept moist, yet not wet. They can accept sun, yet afternoon shade produces better results. The tubers should always be planted just below the soil line.

Stangeria eriopus
Common Name: Bobbejaankes - Baboon Food
Cold Tolerance: 28F (-2C) USDA Zones: 9-11

Typical Height: 1'-5' Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
Habit: Clustering

Status: Occasionally Available
Available Range: 1-10gal.