Tegula sunrise

The cycad puns continue and, if anything, get worse.

E. tegulaneus is a giant kenyan Encephalartos species from the Matthew ranges of North Central Kenya. The tegula from which it is named is the latin for tile. This species has overlapping microsporophylls which apparently resemble roof tiles. Yep. This one has the lamest name yet.

In its native habitat it's a plant of evergreen forest. In botanic gardens its a plant for looking awesome in individual planting. For the home gardener its a plant rare and expensive enough to protect with insurance.