Jubaeopsis

Jubaeopsis afra,^[2] the Pondoland palm, is a flowering plant species in the palm family (Arecaceae). It belongs to the monotypic genus Jubaeopsis.^[3]

Jubaeopsis
Conservation status
Vulnerable  (IUCN 2.3)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Monocots
Clade:	Commelinids
Order:	Arecales
Family:	Arecaceae
Subfamily:	Arecoideae
Tribe:	Cocoseae
Subtribe:	Attaleinae
Genus:	Jubaeopsis Becc.
Species:	J. afra
Binomial name
Jubaeopsis afra Becc.
Synonyms[citation needed]
Jubaeopsis caffra

It is endemic to South Africa, where it is threatened due to habitat loss.^[1] This tree is a living fossil, being the last remaining lineage of the palm trees that were widespread in southern Africa in prehistoric times.^[4] A large living specimen is currently found at the Catamaran Resort in San Diego, CA.^{[5][better source needed]}

Taxonomy

Jubaeopsis is named after King Juba II.^[6]

The etymology of the original species name caffra is related to kaffir, an ethnic slur used towards black people in Africa. At the July 2024 International Botanical Congress, a vote was held with the result that "caffra" related names will be emended to afra related ones, with the implementation of this being done at the end of July 2024.^[7]