Template:POTD/2012-05-08
A reproductive cone of Encephalartos sclavoi, a cycad tree native to Africa. Some species of the genus Encephalartos are known as "bread trees" because a bread-like starchy food can be prepared from the centre of the stem. Male cones are elongated, and three or four may appear at a time. Female cones are borne singly, or up to three at a time, and may weigh up to 60 lb (27 kg). All the species of Encephalartos are endangered.Photo: Muhammad Mahdi Karim