Distribution & Habitat:
Rainforests of north-eastern Queensland.
Description:
This is said to be the tallest growing of all cycads, specimens having
been observed up to 20 metres (60 feet) high. It has a relatively slender
at about 300 mm (12 ins) across, and while usually single stemmed,
multi-stemmed individuals aren't unknown. It has long, arching,
pinnate leaves, up to 3 metres (10 feet) long, with glossy green leaflets,
150-300 mm (6-12 inches) long, and up to 30 mm (1.25 in) wide. It is very
similar in appearance to its more commonly grown sibling,
L. peroffskyana
, but it is a much taller
and larger plant in general. Spent leaves persist, but are easily removed.
The male cones are about 600 mm (2 feet) long, female cones up to 800 mm
(2.5 feet) long, and producing bright red oval seeds, 50 mm (2 in) long.
|
Figure 1. L. hopei
new leaves.
|
Figure 2. L. hopei
leaf detail.
|
General:
The seed of this plant was used by the aboriginals for food, although it
required quite specialised treatment before being eaten, since the seed is
poisonous. Many of the taller specimens in the rainforest still have foot
holds visible into the trunk, cut by the aboriginals to help collect the seeds.
Culture:
This is also an easily grown, attractive cycad for
sub-tropical and tropical areas. It likes a very moist
(it is sometimes found growing in creek beds), shaded
position, being able to thrive in quite deep shade, since it comes from
much heavier rainforest then L. peroffskyana
.
|
Figure 3. L. hopei
leaf detail.
Figure 4. L. hopei
|
Contributed by: |
Mike Gray (Text)
| | Natalie Samuels (Figure 1,2,3&4)
|
|
