Natal grass cycad, Hottentot's head and Stangeria. Cytology The species has 2n = 16 chromosomes. The cladogram shows twelve metacentric, two submetacentric and two acrocentric chromosomes. Systematics and Taxonomy The closest relative to Stangeria eriopus was thought to be the genus Bowenia, both placed in the family Stangeriaceae. Another candidate is the extinct Tertiary genus Eostangeria. However, molecular phylogenetic studies show that Stangeria is more closely related to the genus Ceratozamia or to Zamia and Microcycas than to Bowenia, implying that the Stangeriaceae are not a monophyletic group. Uses In South African traditional medicine, the thickened subterranean tuber stem serves both for the production of various magical tinctures and as an emetic. The dried tuber is also mixed with feed to combat internal parasites in cattle. For these purposes, the plants are collected and sold, this goes so far that the stock is now endangered. For one gram of tuber, 5 cents were paid on the market in Mthala in 2005. References External links The Cycad Pages: Stangeria eriopus Cycad Society of South Africa: Stangeria eriopus Cycads Flora of Southern Africa Flora of South Africa Monotypic gymnosperm genera Near threatened flora of Africa