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Glite Dictionary
Encephalartos

Encephalartos

9.9
A type of African plant with a thick trunk and long spiny leaves
  • noun
  • /ˌɛn.səˈfæl.ɑr.tos/
  • Specialized
translation icon : Encephalartos
  • The thick trunk of the Encephalartos helps it survive in arid environments.

Examples

  • The botanical garden features a rare Encephalartos species from South Africa.

  • Conservationists are working to protect wild populations of Encephalartos threatened by poaching.

  • The Encephalartos species is known for its unique appearance.

  • Many gardeners admire Encephalartos for its striking foliage.

  • The botanical garden features a rare Encephalartos species from South Africa.

  • Many gardeners admire Encephalartos for its striking foliage.

  • The thick trunk of the Encephalartos helps it survive in arid environments.

Compounds

Encephalartos caffer
  • Specialized
9.9

A palm-like South African plant whose starchy inner part people sometimes eat

Surface Forms

Encephalartos singular
Encephalartoses plural

Etymology

Encephalartos comes from Greek parts encephal- meaning 'head' or 'brain' and -artos meaning 'bread'. A helpful way to remember the name is to picture a 'bread head' because these cycads have a thick, starchy trunk people once used like food, so the name fits these tree-like plants with long, often spiny leaves.