About Lomariocycas tabularis (Thunb.) Gasper & A.R.Sm.
Lomariocycas tabularis grows in a growth habit similar to that of classic tree ferns in the genus Cyathea, and is often mistaken for a cycad. This species can be distinguished from other related Lomariocycas species by the base shape of its pinnae: it is the only species with unevenly shaped pinna bases, while all other related species have evenly shaped pinna bases. It is distributed from Cape Town, South Africa in the south, extending as far north as Uganda and Nigeria. Its natural habitat is along river banks and on the margins of afro-montane forests. It grows very well in shady areas, which has made it a popular plant for African gardens. Unfortunately, this popularity has led to large-scale illegal trade in the species, which has caused a decline in its wild population numbers.
