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Our Cycad Products
E. aemulans
This cycad occurs between Louwsburg and Ngome in Northern KwaZulu-Natal.The habitat is short grassland growing on south-facing slopes in full sun. The stem can grow up to 3 metres tall with dark glossy-green leaves erect to spreading and 1.20- 1.45m long.
E. altensteinii
This Eastern Cape cycad grows along the east coast from the Busmans River in the south to as far north as the border of KwaZulu-Natal. It also occurs inland, up to 40km from the coast near Komga, Kei Road and King William’s Town. Vegetation varies from shade to full sun. Plants growing in shade will produce recurving leaves of 2-3m in length, while plants in full sun (typical) produce shorter, erect to gently recurving leaves. The leaves are mid-green in colour. These cycads may grow up to 4m tall.
E. aplanatus
This cycad grows in the North-eastern part of Swaziland, in full shade and dry riverine forest. The stem is solitary with the apex exposed above ground level and produces fewer leaves (4-5) than the E.Villosus (8-10).
E. arenarius
This cycad is restricted to coastal dune forest and bush vegetation in the Alexandria district, north-east of Port Elizabeth. The leaves range from dark green in colour to a bluish shade, 1-1.5m long with stems up to 2m tall recorded. This cycad will do well in full sun or semi-shade.
E. caffer
This cycad occurs in the coastal districts of the Eastern Cape. The stem is subterranean, reaching approximately 40cm. It can be grown in full sun to semi-shade with leaves olive green to dark green, 40-90cm long. Two distinct leaf forms, the “ruffled” leaf form and the more typical “neater” – looking erect leaf form.
E. cerinus
This cycad currently grows in the Blyderivierspoort reserve – Mpumalanga, mostly in full sun on east and north-eastern facing cliffs. The bluish-green leaves are up to 1m long, with stems mostly subterranean reaching approximately 20 cm in height.
E. chimanimaniensis
This is a medium-sized cycad that grows to about 2 metres tall, with a stout erect trunk, occasionally clumping with bright green glossy leaves to about 1.5 metres long, with 1-6 spines on each margin, green cones and red seed-coats.
E. concinnus
This species grows in steep, rocky, misty valleys and woodlands. It is a medium- to large-sized cycad, and grows up to 4 metres in trunk height, often producing multiple trunks and multiple branches. Its straight leaves are dark green in color, with a distinct blue accent for those plants growing in the shade.
E. cupidus
This cycad currently grows in the Blyderivierspoort reserve – Mpumalanga, mostly in full sun on east and north-eastern facing cliffs. The bluish-green leaves are up to 1m long, with stems mostly subterranean reaching approximately 20 cm in height.
E. dolomiticus
This cycad grows on dolomite rock formations in the Northern Province Drakensberg range. The stem is well-developed and often suckering from the base. Leaves are strongly glaucous green to blue, 60 – 80cm long, with stems reaching 1.5m in length.
E. dyerianus
This cycad is known from one single locality in the Northern Province lowveld near the small town of Mica. A handsome, undemanding and easily grown cycad, which grows in full sun. Leaves are blue, turning green with age. Stems are up to 4m tall.
E. eugene-maraisii
This cycad is restricted to mountainous areas of the Waterberg- Limpopo, growing in sandstone hills and rocky ridges in full sun. The leaves are greyish green 1 – 1.5m long with stems up to 4m tall.
E. ferox
Found in the sandy soils of Northern KwaZulu-Natal to Inhambane in Mozambique. This cycad grow well in sunny and shady positions, the shade plants producing darker, more luxuriant foliage. The leaves are dark green, 1-2m in length, erect to spreading. The stem can grow up to 1.5m tall.
E. friderici-guilielmi
This cycad is found in the high altitude grasslands of Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Although it experiences harsh growing conditions in its natural habitat, it is very adaptable to different climatic conditions. A slow growing cycad with leaves just over 1m and stems up to 4m tall
E. ghellinckii
There are two distinct forms of E. ghellinckii – the robust montane form occurring at altitudes of 1100 to 1800m in the KwaZulu-Natal Drakensberg and a lowland form which occurs at lower altitudes in the foothills of the Drakensberg in the catchment of the Umkomaas river. These cycads grow on steep, grassy slopes and on rocky outcrops, in full sun. The leaves are up to 1 metre long in both forms, having the same leaf texture and a light green to dark green colour. The stems are up to 3 meters tall which may well be thousands of years old.
E. gratus
“Mulanje Cycad Encephalartos gratus is a robust medium-large cycad that grows in the Mulanje mountains of Malawi and Mozambique. This species occurs on
E. heenanii
Found in the mountainous regions between Baberton and Swaziland border. The leaves are 1-1.3,m long with leaflet pairs characteristically reflexed from the rachis in a downward pointing V, dark green in colour. Mature plants may have as many as five stems up to 2.5m tall.
E. hirsutus
This cycad is known in only three localities in the Northern Province. They grow in hot, dry riverine valleys on south-eastern facing quartzite cliffs. The leaves are blue-grey, held erect to spreading with the apex recurving slightly, 1.1 – 1.2 m long. Stems are up to 4m tall.
E. horridus
E. horridus is found most commonly on ridges and slopes located in rocky soils, semi-arid parts of the Eastern Cape, between Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage. The silvery-blue leaves are up to 1m long and often sharply recurved towards the tip, looking stiff and spiny. The stems grow up to 1m tall.
E. humulis
This low growing cycad is the smallest of all the Encephalartos species and occurs in the mountainous districts of Machadodorp and Nelspruit where it grows in the grassy rock terrain on east and north-east facing slopes in full sun. The leaves are bluish- green, 30-50cm long with stems not exceeding 60cm.
E. ituriensis
“This cycad grows to 6 metres tall with a trunk diameter of 50 cm. It has glossy dark green leaves. The leaflets
E. Kisambo
The ‘Voi cycad,’ Encephalartos kisambo, is a large, very attractive species and is sought after in the horticultural trade although it is not
E. laevifolius
This cycad has a distribution from KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga to Limpopo Province. The leaves range from blue-grey to green with stems up to 4m tall. A slow growing cycad favouring sunny positions.
Ceratozamia latifolia
Ceratozamia latifolia has a short, round stem that is mostly underground. Its leaves are up to 1.5 m long with prickly petioles and
Cycas taitungensis
“Cycas taitungensis is a relict species from Taiwan. It is an elegant erect palm-like plant with a stout simple or branched trunk up
Dioon edule
“Dioon edule, the chestnut dioon, is a cycad native to Mexico, also known as palma de la virgen. Cycads are among the oldest seed plants and even pre-date the dinosaurs.[3] It belongs to
Dioon spinulosum
“Dioon spinulosum, giant dioon, or gum palm, is a cycad endemic to limestone cliffs and rocky hillsides in the tropical rainforests of Veracruz and Oaxaca, Mexico.[1][2] It is one of the tallest cycads
Zamia Furfuracea
The plant has a short, sometimes subterranean trunk up to 20 cm broad and high, usually marked with scars from old leaf bases. It
Zamia Integrifolia
“Zamia integrifolia produces reddish seed cones with a distinct acuminate tip. The leaves are 20–100 cm long, with 5-30 pairs of leaflets (pinnae). Each leaflet is linear to
Cycad Species of South Africa
S. eriopus (Stanger’s Cycad)
“Stangeria eriopus is a slow-growing perennial which lives to a great age. The body of the plant consists of a large tuberous root which is swollen and carrot-shaped. The upper portion is the stem which branches and can form up to 10 heads. Each growing point of the stem produces one leaf at a time.
When young, the leaf is rolled up at the tip (circinate) and fern-like, varying in length from 0.25-2 m depending on the habitat. A single cone is produced on each growing point. Cones seem to be produced throughout the year and are 100-250 x 30-40 mm.
Male and female cones are borne on separate plants. The male cone is cylindrical and tapers at the apex. The female cone, 180 x 80 mm, is egg-shaped with a rounded tip.
The binomial name comes from the Greek prefix erio-, meaning (woolly), and suffix -pus, (footed), referring to the woolly petiole bases. It was named in honour of William Stanger, a former surveyor-general of Natal. Common names includes Natal Grass Cycad, Hottentots Head, Stangers cycad, Natal grass cycad (Eng.); bobbejaankos (Afr.); Imfingo (Zulu); Umfingwani (Xhosa) and Stangeria.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | dark green | low watering | slow growth | frost-sensitive | common |
From a gardening point of view, Stangeria is a most attractive plant with its large fern-like leaves, and is an ideal plant for shady gardens. They are long-lived and require little maintenance once established. Stangeria is also an ideal pot plant provided they are planted in a large container which provides plenty of room for root development. Restricting root development retards the growth of the plant and it tends to struggle.
This species does best in shady areas in a well-drained soil. Planted in a group of three or five will create an attractive large group featuring their large, fern-like leaves.
When planting a group of Stangeria, space them one meter apart, adding plenty of mature compost and bone meal in the hole before planting. To maintain a healthy plant, regular feeding is essential. A 50-mm layer of well-matured compost applied as a mulch in the autumn helps to improve the soil and benefits the plants. In early spring apply a mixture of bone-meal, organic fertilizer and a balanced inorganic fertilizer to each plant.
High-pressure irrigation systems which produce a strong jet of water will destroy those beautiful leaves; rather use an irrigation system which provides a gentle application of water.
The only pests which I have encountered that are detrimental to Stangeria are mealy bugs. They need to be sprayed with a systemic insecticide.”
Cycads for sale at Baobab Wholesaler
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Stangeriaceae |
| Genus: Stangeria |
| Species: S. eriopus |
Conservation Status: |
E. aemulans (Ngotshe Cycad)
“Encephalartos aemulans is endemic to South Africa and occurs in the KwaZulu Natal province. It is known from one population in the Vryheid district. Two old male plants were located 10km away but no further populations were found. The plants grow on a hill at an altitude of 1000 to 1100m and prefer south facing sandstone cliffs in short grassland.
The stem of Encephalartos aemulans is well developed, erect and unbranched. It can be up to 1.5 meters tall and rarely up to 3 meters and suckers from the base. Stems are up to 350 mm in diameter and has a densely woolly crown.
Leaves are dark glossy green and straight. The rigid leaves are from 1.2 meters to 1.5 meters long and rarely 2 meters long. The petioles are short and only 70 mm to 110 mm long. The pinnae are directed towards the apex of the leave at an angle of 15° – 45° and opposing pinnae are set at 135° to each other. Basal pinnae do not overlap and are reduced to prickles towards the base of the leaf. The median pinnae either do not overlap or the lower margin overlaps the upper margin of the pinna below it. The median pinnae are 125 mm to 150 mm long and are 16 mm to 18 mm wide, narrowly elliptic and very slightly recurved, tapering at both ends. The apices are offset and spinescent, with 2 to 3 teeth on the upper margin and 1 to 2 on the lower margin.
Pollen and seed cones are sessile and very similar. The specific epithet, meaning similar, refers to this characteristic of E. aemulans. Two to four cones are usually produced per stem. Male cones are ellipsoid at first, becoming more elongated when mature. It is lemon yellow and covered with a dense brown woolly coat. They are 29-38 cm long and 14-18 cm wide. The faces are smooth except for the front facet which is slightly raised and warty. Female cones are ellipsoid, green and has the same woolly coat as the male cones. They are 35-40 cm long and 20-23 cm wide. Megasporophyll faces are warty. The peduncle can be 2 to 2.5 cm long and is buried in the crown. The sarcotesta is bright red and the sclerotesta has poorly expressed longitudinal ridges. Seeds are 25-29 mm long and 15-19 mm in diameter.
Cultivation:
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| semi-shade | dark green | low watering | fast growth | frost-resistant | uncommon |
Very little is known about specific needs but seedlings can be treated the same as E. lebomboensis. They prefer full sun, well drained soils and will tolerate light frost. Propagation is by seed or by removing suckers from the parent plant.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. aemulans |
Conservation Status: |
E. altensteinii (Eastern Cape Giant Cycad)
“Encephalartos altensteinii is a palm-like cycad that is endemic to South Africa. The species name altensteinii commemorates Altenstein, a 19th-century German chancellor and patron of science. It is commonly known as the Eastern Cape giant cycad, umphanga, umguza, isundu (Xhosa) or uJobane (Zulu). It is a very ornamental garden plant and probably the most common of all the cycads in cultivation. This species is long-lived, is easy to grow and in time develops into large specimens.
This cycad grows up to seven meters tall and may be branched or unbranched. The leaves are straight or curved backwards and up to three meters in length. The leaflets are rigid and fairly broad with one or both margins toothed. There are no prickles at the base of the leaf which distinguishes it from E. natalensis. There are usually two to five greenish-yellow cones up to fifty centimeters long, the female scales covered with protuberances. The cones are poisonous to humans. The seeds are scarlet and up to four centimeters long.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | green | very low watering | fast growth | frost-resistant | common |
This species is well known as it is easy to grow and adapts to most conditions, provided it has a well-drained growing medium and is not subject to severe frost. Adapts well to full sun or light shade. Because of the eventual size, Encephalartos altensteinii is best suited to large gardens where it can be displayed as a feature plant. When young they can be grown as container plants.
This species transplants easily as a mature plant although it is recommended to remove all of the leaves before doing so, as this makes handling a great deal easier and, most important of all, the plant will recover sooner as less moisture is lost. Good drainage, regular watering and feeding in early summer will help to maintain a healthy plant. Irrigation systems can be detrimental to cycads, damaging the leaves and stems from the pressure of the water, as well as over-watering.”
Cycads for sale at Baobab Wholesaler
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. altensteinii |
Conservation Status: |
E. arenarius (Alexandria Cycad)
“Encephalartos arenarius is endemic to South Africa, where it is limited to the Eastern Cape. Its common names include Alexandria cycad and dune cycad.
It is a multi-stemmed cycad with a lead stem of 1-2 m long and is 200-300 mm in diameter. The lead stem often lies on the ground covered in sand and leaf mould.
There are often a number of basal suckers competing for the lead. The leaves are 1.0-1.5 m long, dull green, and the leaf stalk recurves sharply at the tip. A blue-leaved form occurs in certain localities.
Female cones are normally solitary, barrel-shaped, 500-600 x 250-300 mm, and light green when mature. The cone scale opens for 5 to 10 days in April to May. The male cones, 1 to 3 in number, 300-500 x 80-150 mm, are light green when mature. The seed is shiny red when mature.
This species lives in densely wooded dune habitat and scrub. It is an endangered species with a maximum global population estimated at around 1500 mature individuals. Most subpopulations occur near the town of Alexandria, Eastern Cape.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | blue-green | low watering | slow growth | frost-resistant | common |
Encephalartos arenarius is easily grown from seed. Since cycad seeds are toxic to humans, one should use gloves when handling or cleaning them.
Hand-pollination is necessary for a successful seed harvest in cultivation. Collect pollen as soon as it starts shedding. If a slight tapping of the male cone sheds pollen, then the cone is ready to be harvested; store pollen at -15°C for best results. The female cone scales have to be monitored to check if they are open. The window of the scale opening varies with individual plants, from three days to two weeks.
After female cones have been collected, the seeds are left to mature for a year before sowing at the beginning of summer. For best results, sow seeds in river sand on a heated bench at 24-28°C. Germination should start three weeks after sowing though some will take longer. It is easily transplanted and can also be propagated from suckers.
Leaves and cones are prone to scale and mealy bug. The gall-midge also attacks young leaves.”
Cycads for sale at Baobab Wholesaler
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. arenarius |
Conservation Status: |
E. brevifoliolatus (Escarpment Cycad)
“Encephalartos brevifoliolatus, the escarpment cycad, is extinct in the wild and survives only in collections. This is a strictly protected plant, one of the rarest in the world. It was found in South Africa in short grasslands in the very open Protea savanna. These plants were used to growing on large cliffs.
The stems of Encephalartos brevifoliolatus are well developed, usually unbranched but often suckering from the base to form clumps of up to 6 stems. The stem is erect but often leaning to some extent or even hanging from cliffs. Stems are up to 2.5m tall and 250mm to 300mm thick and covered by relatively small remains of leaf bases which are often charred from fires in its grassland habitat. The crown is not woolly but cataphylls (bracts) are initially covered by a thin, whitish, felt-like indumentum.
The leaves are 800mm to 900mm long, rigid and straight or very slightly recurved near their apices. The petioles are unarmed, half-cylindrical and initially has a whitish felt-like indumentum but are hairless at maturity. Colour is yellowish and they are 90mm to 200mm long and 7mm to 10mm thick. The rachis is also yellowish.
The basal pinnae are very slightly reduced in size but not to prickles. The median pinnae overlap with upper margins over the lower margin of the adjoining leaflets, spaced 8mm to 10mm apart and directed towards the apex of the leaf at an angle of about 45°. Opposing leaflets are set at an angle of about 135° to each other. Colour is dark green and they are shaped very narrowly ovate and somewhat sickle-shaped, with margins entire and recurved and apices acute and pungent. The lower surface is finely ribbed with (12) 14 to 16 veins. The median leaflets are 60mm to 80mm long and 10mm to 12mm wide.
Up to 6 male cones were seen per stem. They are sessile, very narrowly egg-shaped and covered in minute and very short whitish felt-like hairs. It is about 350mm long and 60mm to 70mm in diameter in the dried state. The exposed faces of median microsporophylls (cone scales) are rhombic, about 22mm wide and 5mm high, and drawn out to a length of about 6mm to the central facet. The central facet is rhombic, smooth, 7mm to 9mm wide and 3mm to 5mm wide. The female cones are unknown.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | dark green | low watering | slow growth | frost-hardy | unobtainable |
Very little is known about the cultivation of E.brevifoliolatus because it is so rare. None the less it is represented in at least one, possibly two, collections. It should be grown in full sun and the normal requirements for cycads should be adhered to. Since female cones are not known, this species can only be propagated by removing suckers from the base.”
Cycads for sale at Baobab Wholesaler
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. brevifoliolatus |
Conservation Status: |
E. caffer (Eastern Cape Dwarf Cycad)
“Encephalartos caffer, the Eastern Cape dwarf cycad, is a rare cycad from the genus Encephalartos. Approximately 10,000 mature individuals are confined to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa .
It typically has an underground stem, with a small portion on top, the stem is only very rarely branched and may be as much as 40 cm long. Emerging from the top are long, pinnate, dark green leaves up to 1 meter long. These often have a distinctive ruffled, feathery appearance, caused by the numerous, clustered leaflets being irregularly twisted from the central stalk and pointing out in different directions. New leaves are brown and woolly at first but most of the hair is lost as they mature, although they never become completely smooth or glossy.
Both male and female plants bear single reproductive cones made up of a series of spiraled scales, which become greenish-yellow when mature. In the female, two largish, glossy, scarlet-coloured seeds are formed on top of each cone scale.
Cultivation:
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| semi-shade | dark green | very low watering | slow growth | frost-resistant | uncommon |
Hand pollination is necessary for a successful seed harvest in cultivation. Pollen can be collected as soon as the male cones begin shedding (if a light tapping of the male cone produces pollen then the cone is ready to harvest). Store the collected pollen at minus 15°C for best results. The female cone has to be monitored to check when the scales open. The window of the scale opening varies from plant to plant, and may last from three days to two weeks.
After the female cones have been collected, the seed is left to mature for a year before sowing at the beginning of summer. For best results, sow seeds in river sand on a heated bench at 24-28°C. Germination should start three weeks after sowing, but may sometimes take longer. It is relatively slow growing and takes time to recover from relocation and transplanting. Leaves and cones are prone to scale and mealy bug.”
Cycads for sale at Baobab Wholesaler
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. caffer |
| Conservation Status: |
E. cerinus (Waxen Cycad)
“E. cerinus, also known as the waxen cycad, is restricted to a single rocky gorge in the Tugela Ferry area of KwaZulu-Natal at an altitude of 900m. The locality is both hot and dry. Plants are scattered along an almost vertical rock face. It is a dwarf plant with a subterranean stem which may be partly exposed if growing in a rock crevice. Mature stems are 300mm long and 200mm to 250mm in diameter. It suckers or branches sparingly from the base.
E. cerinus has eight to ten leaves, 0.9m to 1.2m long with the median leaflets 13mm to 15mm long and 10mm to 12mm broad. The leaves are held almost vertical to the crown. The petiole or leaf stalk is 120mm to 180mm long and bare.
The pinnae are entire with occasionally one to two teeth on the lower margin of juvenile or seedling leaflets. The leaflets overlap from the middle of the leaf towards the top. The leaflets are blue green in colour and quite distinctive with a thick waxy covering. This covering leaves a very distinctive smell when rubbed. The latter fact gave rise to the specific epithet cerinus, meaning waxy. The cones of both sexes are solitary, although males in cultivation occasionally produce two or three together. The cones are blue green in colour, turning yellow at maturity. The cones likewise are covered with the thick waxy bloom so characteristic of this species. Male cones are 550mm to 600mm long and 80mm to 100mm in diameter. The median cone scales have a flattened terminal facet. The male cones are borne on an 80mm peduncle. The female cones are egg shaped, 300mm to 350mm long and 150mm to 180mm in diameter. The face of the female cone scales is smooth with a fringed lower edge. Seeds are 25mm long and 15mm in diameter and he sarcotesta is deep red.
Cultivation:
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| semi-shade | blue-green | low watering | slow growth | frost-resistant | common |
The fact that the species occurs mainly on sheer rock faces and steep rocky slopes means that good drainage and full sun are the prime cultural requirements. The leaf colour of plants in cultivation that have been grown in semi shade is green rather than blue. This species is easy to cultivate from seed.”
Cycads for sale at Baobab Wholesaler
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. cerinus |
| Conservation Status: |
E. cupidus (Blyde River Cycad)
“Encephalartos cupidus is a species of cycad that is found in the Limpopo Province, South Africa at elevations of 700 up to 1,500m. It is a very attractive, desirable, frost-hardy, dwarf, multi-stemmed cycad with its usually subterranean stem and blue green leaves, suitable for temperate to tropical areas. E. cupidus survives very well in deep soil, full sunlight and is drought-tolerant.
It has a subterranean stem which grows up to about 150 mm long and 150 mm in diameter. E. cupidus normally produces many suckers of 10–15 per stem. Leaves are rigid, 0.5–1.0 m long, blue green and curved downwards near the apex. Median leaflets are about 100–150 mm long and 10–16 mm in diameter. The leaflets are leathery, without nodules and armed with 3 or 4 pungent teeth on both margins. Leaflets margins are not thickened or recurved and the apex is pungent. Basal leaflets decrease in size to a series of spines.
Male and female plants produce one cone, which is bright apple-green, per stem per season. Male cone turns to yellowish at maturity, is 180–300 mm long and 50–80 mm in diameter. Male cone starts to shed pollen during January–March. Female cone is 180–200 mm long and 120–140 mm in diameter. Female cone starts to break off during May–July to produce about 120 seeds.
The specific epithet cupidus is derived from the Latin, and means desirable or highly attractive.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | blue-green | very low watering | average growth | frost-hardy | uncommon |
Encephalartos cupidus can be easily propagated from seeds and suckers. It is a drought-tolerant, frost-hardy, and does well in the full sun.
To grow from seed, place cleaned seeds on their sides half buried on washed sand or a potting mix, and kept at about 28°C. The medium must be kept moist, but not too wet, for as long as it takes to germination. As soon as the radicals of the sprouted kernels are 10–20 mm long, they can be planted singly in bags containing potting soil or some other suitable medium. One must wait until the seedlings develop one or two leaves before transplanting them individually into bags. Because of the long taproots cycad seedlings form, one must use tall, narrow, perforated, black, plastic bags of about 240 × 120 mm in size, for their initial establishment. Seedlings must be placed under shade for the first few years of growth and development. Initially the seedlings must be watered daily with a fine spray. After about a month, as their roots elongate, the frequency of watering should be decreased to about once a week. The seedlings can be transplanted into the garden when they are 3–5 years old.
When preparing to propagate from suckers, the soil should be dug away carefully to expose the base of the sucker where it joints the stem of the mother plant. One must use a clean, sharp knife or sharp spade to remove the sucker from the mother plant. Leaves of the sucker must be removed to reduce dehydration. The wound must then be treated with a fungicide and dried for about a week before planting the sucker into a sterile medium. The best time for removing suckers from the mother plant, is in spring and early summer, when the climate is warm for the quick establishment of the new plant.
Troublesome pests include scale insects, beetles and chewing insects. Scale insects cause great damage to cycad leaves by sucking the sap from them. Most scale insects can be controlled with regular and frequent applications of a horticultural soluble oil, such as white oil. Beetles seriously damage cycad plants by attacking the emerging young leaves. Control can be kept by application of contact or systemic insecticides, or one of the bacterial preparations available.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. cupidus |
| Conservation Status: |
E. cycadifolius (Winterberg Cycad)
“Encephalartos cycadifolius is a species of cycad that is native to the Winterberg mountains to the north of Bedford in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. It is found at elevations from 1,200 to 1,800 meters.
It is a slow-growing, single to multi-stemmed cycad, with a stem of 1.0-1.5 x up to 0.25 m. The leaves are dark olive, 0.6-1.0 m. The yellow-orange leaf stalk has a slight spiral twist. The leaflets have no thorns and are attached in a V-shaped formation. Male and female plants usually bear one or two yellow cones covered with grey hair, becoming brown with age. Male cones are 150-200 x 50-80 mm. Female cones are 200-300 x 160-180 mm.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | dark green | very low watering | slow growth | frost-hardy | rare |
Encephalartos cycadifolius is easily grown from seed. In cultivation, pollination is necessary for a successful seed harvest. Pollen can be collected as soon as the male cones begin shedding (if a light tapping of the male cone produces pollen then the cones are ready to harvest). The collected pollen must be stored at minus 15°C for best results. The female cone has to be monitored to check when the scales open. The window of the scale opening varies from plant to plant, and may last from three days to two weeks. A good pollination rate can be achieved using the wet method (pollen mixed with distilled water and applied by syringe).
After female cones have been collected, the seed is left to mature for a year before sowing at the beginning of summer. For best results, seed is sown in river sand on a heated bench at 24-28°C. Germination should start three weeks after sowing, but may sometimes take longer.
Special care must be taken when adult plants are transplanted, as Encephalartos cycadifolius is slow-growing and can easily die or take a long time to recover from relocation. Leaves and cones are prone to scale and mealy bug.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. cycadifolius |
Conservation Status: |
E. dolomiticus (Wolkberg Cycad)
“This species is only found in the Wolkberg, near Penge in the Drakensberg in southeastern Limpopo Province, South Africa, occurring on grassland on shallow soils over dolomite ridges. Recorded from 1,100 to 1,500 m. It is an exceptionally rare blue-leaved African cycad close to extinction in the wild. Very desirable collector plant; blue leaves that twist & spiral upwards blue/green cones. Needs excellent drainage. One of the choicest blue cycads, but rarely available.
Leaves: They are 60-80cm long, twisted, recurve, and glaucous green. The leaflets are sharply pointed, 12-16cm long, 1.2-1.4cm broad and may have some teeth on the lower margins. The petiole is 9-14cm long with a red-brown collar at the base of the rachis. A distinct feature is the looseness of the rachis to the base and resembles crown rot or disease.
Stem: Mature plants may reach a height of 0.8-1.2 meters, with a diameter of 25-30cm. Thee crown is covered with soft buff-coloured woolly bracts which are 3-6cm long.
Cones: Female plants normally produce a single (up to 4 has been recorded), large, green cone, 45-50cm in length and 25cm in diameter. Seeds are a pale yellow.
Male cones are produced singly or up to 3, sub cylindrical, 35-50cm long and 5-8.5cm in diameter.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | blue-green | very low watering | slow growth | frost-resistant | rare |
Very little information is available, but is seems as if this species is not a vigorous grower. Coming from a dry area, it is probably sensitive to over-watering, and transplantation either from the wild or from one garden situation to another is likely to be hazardous. It should always get as much direct sunlight as possible.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. dolomiticus |
| Conservation Status: |
E. dyerianus (Lillie Cycad)
“E. dyerianus, also known as the Lillie Cycad or Lowveld Cycad, grows in open shrubland and grassland on slopes of a single low granite hill in the Limpopo Province, at an altitude of 700 meters.
The stem reaches 4 m in height to 60 cm in diameter. The leaves are long 140-170 cm, blue-matte silver colour, slightly inclined. The stem is straight and equipped with up to six pins. The leaves are 17-24 cm long and 13-18 mm wide. They are equipped with toothed edges and are inserted into the leaf forming angles of 45-80°. At the base of the leaf, the leaflets are reduced to thorns. The spine is normally straight and stiff, but can occur sometimes slightly twisted.
Male cones are ovoid blue-green or yellow of 30-50 cm in length and 9-12 cm in diameter, and female cones are ovoid blue-green or yellow of 30-60 cm in length for 10-20 cm in diameter.
The seeds are elongated, with size 40-45 mm for 25-30 mm, with a yellow or orange-brown colour.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | blue-green | very low watering | fast growth | frost-hardy | uncommon |
E. dyerianus is a handsome, undemanding and easily grown cycad, which grows in full sun. In coastal and inland areas, this species prefers to be in full sun, but can tolerate some shade. For desert areas, this species should be placed in partial sun or filtered light. This plant does need a soil that drains well, and does not do well with excessive moisture.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. dyerianus |
| Conservation Status: |
E. eugene-maraisii (Waterberg Cycad)
“Encephalartos eugene-maraisii is endemic to South Africa, where it is limited to Limpopo. It is known as the Waterberg cycad.
This plant grows in the sandstone hills of the Waterberg Range at 1400 to 1500 meters in elevation. The habitat is grassland and savanna. The species was named for South African naturalist Eugène Marais.
It is a medium-sized to large cycad with an erect, aerial stem that sometimes becomes procumbent with age. The stem can usually grow up to about 4 m long and 0.45 m in diameter with soft whitish cataphylls at the crown of the stem.
Leaves are rigid, up to 0.7-1.5 m long, light bluish green, and slightly curved downwards with the leaf tip usually curved slightly upwards. Median leaflets are about 150-200 mm long and 13-18 mm in diameter. Leaflets are leathery and without nodules. Leaflet margins are not thickened and entire except for the occasional single tooth on the lower margin. Basal leaflets decrease in size to one or two spines at most.
Male and female plants produce cones in December which are reddish-brown due to a dense layer of hairs which covers the greenish-grey underlying part of the cone. Male plants bear 1-8 cones per season per stem. They are 200-450 mm long and 60-100 mm long in diameter. They often emit a strong odour during pollen shedding which normally takes place from February to March. Female plants bear 1-6 cones per season per stem. They are 300-500 mm long and 160-200 mm in diameter. The female cones of Encephalartos eugene-maraisii do not disintegrate spontaneously, but dry out from May to August. They produce seeds which are light brown, 35-44 mm long and 23-30 mm in diameter.
Encephalartos eugene-maraisii is closely related to several other species (E. middelburgensis, E. dyerianus, E. dolomiticus and E. hirsutus), but it is distinguished from the others by its straight leaves that recurve at their ends, spineless median leaflets, clear petiole, and green cones with a fine brown wool.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | blue-green | very low watering | slow growth | frost-hardy | uncommon |
Encephalartos eugene-maraisii grows relatively slowly and does well in full sun. It is a very frost-hardy species. It is easily propagated from seeds and suckers (the young plants that grow around the main stem).
The seeds are collected, cleaned and stored in a brown paper bag at 10-15°C for six months or more, to allow the embryo to fully develop. The seeds are cleaned to ensure that all the flesh is removed, since it may contain germination inhibitors and can also promote the growth of fungi. The flesh is scraped away with a knife but protective gloves should be worn during the cleaning operation to prevent contact with the slow-acting poisons present in the flesh. If the flesh is hard and dry, it helps to soak the seeds in water for a day or two before cleaning. Even if the seeds have been cleaned, it is a good idea to soak them for a few days, preferably with daily changes of water, before planting them. When the seeds are placed in water, the viable ones will sink and the non-viable ones will float.
To germinate the seeds, place the cleaned seeds on their sides half buried on washed sand or potting mix, and keep at about 28°C. It is necessary to keep the medium moist, but not too wet, for as long as it takes for germination to take place. As soon as the radicals of the sprouted kernels are 10-20 mm long, they can be planted singly in bags containing potting soil or some other suitable medium. Alternatively one can wait until the seedlings develop one or two leaves before transplanting them individually into bags.
Because cycad seedlings form long taproots, it is advisable to use tall narrow perforated black plastic bags about 240×120 mm in size for their initial establishment. Place the seedlings under shade for the first few years of growth and development. Initially the seedlings must be watered daily with a fine spray. After about a month, as their roots elongate, the frequency of watering should be decreased to once a week. The seedlings can be transplanted into the garden when they are 3-5 years old. When preparing to propagate from suckers, a hole should be dug around the stem of the mother plant to expose the base and roots of the suckers. One must use a clean sharp knife or sharp spade to remove the sucker from the mother plant. The wound should then be treated with a fungicide and dried for about a week before planting the sucker into a sterile medium.
Troublesome pests include scale insects, beetles and chewing insects. Scale insects cause great damage to cycad leaves by sucking the sap from them. Most scale insects can be controlled with regular and frequent applications of horticultural soluble oil such as white oil. Beetles seriously damage cycad plants by attacking the emerging young leaves. Control can be kept by application of contact or systemic insecticides, or one of the bacterial preparations available.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. eugene-maraisii |
| Conservation Status: |
E. ferox (Maputaland Cycad)
“Encephalartos ferox is a small cycad with 35 cm wide subterranean trunk. It gets its name from the Latin word ferocious, likely from the spine-tipped lobes on the leaves of the plant. It is found naturally on the south-eastern coast of Africa where it has been used by local people for its starch content. It is considered to be one of the most popular cultivated cycads. It is also known as the Maputaland cycad, Zululand cycad, Tongaland cycad (Eng.), Maputalandbroodboom, Tongalandbroodboom (Afr.), umthobane, uthobani (Zulu), chihanga (Thonga).
The trunk is often subterranean, and can grow up to a meter in length. Its roots contract due to the collapse of transverse sheets of cells in the cortex. It is thought that this contraction can help prevent seedlings from desiccation as they develop. The leaves are pinnately compound and can grow up to two meters long. They are typically hard-textured, and green. Young leaves are described as being hairy, and ranging from dark green to coppery brown in color. Each leaflet is about 15 cm long and about 3.5 to 5 cm wide. The leaflets can be flat or twisted, and are usually broad with spine-tipped lobes. They are inserted at about 70° on the rhachis.
Cultivation:
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| shade | dark green | low watering | fast growth | frost-sensitive | common |
Encephalartos ferox is popular in gardens and in the horticultural trade and is one of the more commonly available cycad species available in nurseries. It grows best in partial shade and require plenty of water. It is not tolerant of very severe frost.
This species may be propagated from seeds or by the removal of offsets or suckers. In order for pollination to occur, it is essential to have both male and female plants in cone at the same time. Although pollination does occur naturally in the wild where populations are larger, pollination must be done artificially in a garden environment. The pollen needs to be collected from the male plants and may be stored in a freezer for many months. When the female cones are ready to receive pollen the cone scales open ever so slightly. Hand pollination can then be done by washing the pollen mixed with distilled water into the female cone.
Although seeds will always be produced by female cones, they will only be viable and germinate if they have been successfully pollinated. To determine if the seeds are fertile – remove the fleshy covering by soaking them in water for 2-3 days and then rubbing it off. Then put seeds in a bucket filled with water … the heavier fertile seeds will sink to the bottom and the infertile seeds will float on top.
The embryo develops in the seed immediately following fertilisation but it will take 6-7 months until it is ready to germinate. During this time, the cleaned seeds may be stored in a dry cupboard. Once the seed germinates, a tuberous tap root is immediately formed and once established, the first leaf will emerge. This is about 6 weeks after the emergence of the root.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. ferox |
| Conservation Status: |
E. friderici-guilielmi (White-haired Cycad)
“Encephalartos friderici-guilielmi, also known as the white-haired cycad, is native to the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa, at elevations of 700 up to 1400 meters. Although it experiences harsh growing conditions in its natural habitat, it is very adaptable to different climatic conditions. It is a vigorous grower, easy to cultivate and develops a stout stem. This is one of the most attractive cycad species and was named in 1834 in honour of Friedrich Wilhelm, King of Prussia, who was a patron of botany.
The stem of Encephalartos friderici-guilielmi ranges from 400-600 mm in diameter and can grow to a height of 4 m. At this height, the stem tends to lean and eventually settles flat on the ground with the crown curved upwards. Adult plants may develop up to six stems and sucker freely from the base. The crown of the stem is covered in loose brown hair, particularly when new leaves and cones are produced.
The leaves are 1.0-1.5 m long, fairly straight, and tend to spread out horizontally when the cones appear. They are blue-green and darken as they age. The leaflets are 100-180 mm long, are closely spaced with a sharp point at the tip but have no teeth on the upper or lower margins.
Encephalartos friderici-guilielmi bears the largest number of cones in the genus. Male plants produce up to 12 cones and a female plant as many as six. The cones are covered in yellowish hairs which darken to a brown or beige when mature. The male cones are 200-400 x 60-100 mm. Female cones are barrel-shaped, 250-300 x 150-200 mm, and remain on the plant for more than six months before disintegrating to disperse the seeds.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | blue-green | very low watering | average growth | frost-hardy | common |
Encephalartos friderici-guilielmi requires full sun and good drainage to do well in a garden. It will not do well in the shade. This species would be ideal in a rockery surrounded by low-growing succulents.
Cycads require regular feeding to maintain a healthy plant. An annual application of well-matured compost in the autumn improves the condition of the soil. In the early spring, apply two handfuls of a mixture of bone meal, organic fertilizer and a balanced inorganic fertilizer to each plant. High pressure irrigation systems damage the leaves and stems of cycads and they need to be avoided; this species does not require a great deal of water. In very dry areas, watering with a sprinkler will be adequate.
Propagation of Encephalartos friderici-guilielmi can be done by sowing seed or removing well-matured suckers from the mother plant. To produce true to type seed it is necessary to hand-pollinate the female cone with pollen harvested from a male cone of the same species. The seed is sown in the spring on a bed of clean, coarse sand which has bottom heat of 25-28°C. This species is slow to germinate and can take up to a year before all of the seed has germinated. The radicle develops first followed by the leaves and within 10 months the seedlings are removed and potted into a 3-liter plastic sleeve containing a well-drained growing medium. The seedlings are watered sparingly until the first signs of growth appear.
Propagation by division involves removing well-developed suckers of approximately 250 mm diameter from the mother plant. Early spring is an ideal time when all leaves are removed from the sucker which is then carefully eased away from the main stem. The sucker needs to be left to dry off the wound before planting in clean sand which encourages root development. Once well-rooted, the sucker can be planted out in the open ground.
Pests encountered are scale mealy bugs, caterpillars and snout beetles. Spray with a contact insecticide. Snout beetles destroy cycad seed. Scale and mealy bugs occur on the underside of the leaves. A tiny gall midge can damage new leaves as they appear and they turn black. As new leaves start appearing, the crown of the stem needs to be sprayed with a contact insecticide once every two weeks.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. friderici-guilielmi |
| Conservation Status: |
E. ghellinckii (Drakensberg Cycad)
“Encephalartos ghellinckii or Drakensberg cycad is endemic to South Africa. Strongly associated with the Natal Drakensberg, this 3m tall evergreen species is found from the foothills to fairly high altitudes, growing on stream banks, steep grassy slopes and sandstone outcrops. Its preferred habitat lying within grassveld, it has developed resistance to veldfires, and also the intense cold brought on by snow and frost.
Plants from the high-altitude areas are more robust and usually have a fire-scarred base. The low altitude plants, such as those near the Umkomaas River, are stunted or dwarf-like and may have up to five trunks, often blackened by grass fires, which are thought to stimulate leaf and cone production. The plants growing in tall grassveld are usually spindly with tall stems, and have a tendency to lean over, often becoming quite procumbent.
Fronds are olive to yellow-green, and about 1m long, while leaflets are narrow (80–140 x 2–4 mm), with strongly revolute margins. Juvenile leaves are covered in grayish wool, becoming glabrous with age. Both male and female lemon-coloured cones are some 25 cm in length, occur in clusters of 2–5, and are densely woolly. Initially believed to be wind-pollinated, recent studies show that cones are pollinated mainly by the weevil family, and beetles from the Boganiidae, such as Metacucujus encephalarti. The Boganiidae are known only from South Africa and Australia, and this distribution, shared with the cycad family, indicates an ancient association between these insects and these plants. The beetles are strongly attracted by allomones produced in the early mornings and evenings by both male and female cones.
The seeds have a yellow, fleshy covering. The seeds are poisonous, containing the azoxyglycosides macrozamin and cycasin, and these are also present in the flesh, roots, stems and leaves, though in smaller concentrations. These toxins are characteristic of and exclusive to the cycads, and play an important role in deterring herbivores.
Named for Édouard de Ghellinck de Walle, the 19th Century Ghent plant collector, horticulturist and amateur botanist who first cultivated it in Europe, it was formally described in 1868 by Charles Antoine Lemaire, the French taxonomist who happened to be an authority on Cactaceae.
Cultivation:
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| semi-shade | dark green | very low watering | slow growth | frost-hardy | uncommon |
E. ghellinkii does not grow well away from it’s habitat and does not adapt readily to garden or glasshouse conditions. Plants are very slow to re-establish if transplanted and rarely cones. The high altitude forms are particularly unhappy with hot, humid conditions. Seed of this species is not readily available.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. ghellinckii |
| Conservation Status: |
E. heenanii (Woolly Cycad)
“Encephalartos heenanii, also known as Heenan’s Cycad or Woolly Cycad, is widespread on the border between Swaziland and South Africa. Its specific epithet is in honor of Denis Heenan, a cycad collector who recognised this plant as a new species, and was indicated to the botanist Robert Allen Dyer (1900-1987) who described it formally.
The stems of E. heenanii are well-developed and suckering or branching from the base. Mature trunks are erect or become procumbent with age. They are up to 3m long and 400mm in diameter. The cataphylls are linear-lanceolate, often persisting in a dry brittle form on the upper half of the trunk and are very densely woolly with long golden brown hairs in the crown.
Leaves are 1m to 2m long, the rachis is incurved and often slightly twisted at the apex, giving a cup-like appearance to the plant’s crown. The petiole can be up to 200mm long and is round in cross section.
Median pinnae are succubously orientated, ascending in the plane of the rachis and markedly reflexed from the rachis. Leaflets are oblong-lanceolate in outline, 100mm to 150mm long and up to 20mm broad. The margins are entire or have 1 to 2 teeth. The lower leaflet surface has prominently raised veins and while the upper surface often has small wart-like protuberances. Lower leaflets are reduced but not to a series of prickles.
Male cones are usually single or in groups of 2 to 4. They are sub-cylindrical in shape and pedunculate. They are 270mm to 300mm in length, 120mm to 180mm in diameter and covered with dense brown wool. Cones are seldom glabrous. The male cone is similar in appearance to the female cone. A single female cone is usually produced and rarely 3. It is pedunculate, broadly ovate and 200mm to 350mm long, 170mm to 200mm in diameter and covered with dense shaggy golden hair but is often a glabrous yellow.
Cultivation:
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| semi-shade | dark green | low watering | slow growth | frost-resistant | rare |
This species has little horticultural potential and is notoriously difficult to cultivate. Mature plants seldom survive transplanting and desiccate easily after removal. Plants are also prone to fungal attack after transplanting. Seedlings are rare in trade, due to the fact that plants seldom cone in cultivation. Plants are rarely seen in cultivation and will probably always be a sought after collectors item.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. heenanii |
| Conservation Status: |
E. hirsutus (Venda Cycad)
“Encephalartos hirsutus is a species of cycad that is native to Limpopo Province, South Africa. It was recorded from three separate localities on south-east-facing quartzite cliffs in the Makuya Nature Reserve bordering the Kruger National Park at altitudes ranging from 800 to 1 000 m.
The trunks of Encephalartos hirsutus are decumbent and up to 3.5m or rarely 4.2m long. It is 350mm to 400mm in diameter with persistent leaf bases with a golden, densely tomentose (hairy) crown, turning greyish with age.
The numerous leaves are arranged in a dense crown, glaucous, subsessile and rigid with recurved apices. They are 1.1m to 1.2m (-1.4m) long. The petiole is bulbous at the base, tomentose (hairy) and up to 130mm long. The rachis is tomentose, becoming subglabrous with age.
The pinnae are inflexed, with entire margins and the veins are raised on the abaxial surface. The leaflets are directed towards the apex of the leaf at an angle of about 40° to each other. The upper margins overlap with the lower margins of the adjoining leaflets. The basal leaflets are gradually reduced in size but not to a series of spines. The median leaflets are 130mm to 170mm long and 20mm to 24mm wide, narrowly elliptic and somewhat sickle-shaped, gradually acuminate with acute and pungent apices. They are decurrent (turning downward) basally on the rachis with the apices somewhat turned towards the leaf apex.
The cones are dimorphous, waxy bluish-green, glabrous and with smooth scale facets. Up to 5 male cones per stem were seen. They are narrowly ovoid, about 500mm long and 90mm in diameter with peduncles about 120mm long. The exposed faces of the median microsporophylls (male cone scales) are rhombic, about 29mm wide, 30mm long and 7mm high, with the central facet flat or slightly concave. The female cones are ovoid and 1 to 3 per trunk were observed. They are about 400mm long and 350mm in diameter, appearing sessile but with a peduncle up to 60mm long, hidden amongst cataphylls in the trunk crown. The median megasporophylls (female cone scales) are rhombic with four lateral and one central facet, about 50mm wide, 44mm long and 15mm high with the central facet a third of the horizontal diameter of the bulla. About 200 seeds are produced per cone. The sarcotesta is orange-red and the kernel is 30mm to 35mm long and 15mm to 18mm in diameter, ellipsoid in shape, round and smooth.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | blue | low watering | slow growth | frost-resistant | rare |
E. hirsutus can be treated much the same as E. eugene-maraisii, E. dolomiticus, E. dyerianus and E. middelburgensis, given that the species are related and have a similar habitat. Like all cycads they prefer well drained soils. Plants grow well in full sun. Propagation is by seed.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. hirsutus |
| Conservation Status: |
E. horridus (Eastern Cape Blue Cycad)
“Encephalartos horridus, the Eastern Cape blue cycad, has been described as one of the most unusual of all the South African species. It is a small, low-growing cycad up to 0.9 m high and 0.9 m wide. It is a native of Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, and found in arid shrublands, most commonly on ridges and slopes with shallow soils. The species is particularly known for its distinctly blue-grey leaves, although the degree of coloration can vary significantly. The species name horridus is Latin for ‘bristly’, after the plant’s stiff, spiny leaflets.
Mature plants have big stems of between 0.5–1 m in length and 20–30 cm in diameter with the majority of the stem growing below ground. Leaves are up to 1 m long and often sharply recurved towards the tip, looking stiff and spiny. Younger leaves are a silvery-blue colour but turn green with age.
Cones are usually brownish- or blackish-red and single with a dense layer of fine hair. Both male and female cones are produced. The female cone is egg-shaped and up to 40 cm long and 20 cm in diameter while the male cone is largely cylindrical narrowing towards the ends up to 40 cm long and 12 cm in diameter. Seeds are roughly triangular with three flattened surfaces.
In the wild there is evidence of distinct variation within the species, including a possible ‘dwarf’ form found around Port Elizabeth.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | blue | very low watering | fast growth | frost-hardy | uncommon |
E. horridus is a very hardy, adaptable, relatively slow-growing cycad and suited to temperate and subtropical regions. It is best not planted too closely to paths, requires full sun and excellent drainage, not too much water; tolerates light to moderate frosts and needs slightly acidic soil. In cultivation male cones will often cone several times a year in succession and the dwarf nature of the plant may disappear.
Propagation: From seed or removal of suckers which transplant readily, but for your first cycad rather buy a seedling from a nursery. They grow a lot easier and faster than those grown from seed. Experience is also needed to grow from suckers.
Pests to be on the lookout for in southern Africa are: Leaf parasites range from moth larvae to plant lice and can all be rather well controlled with contact insecticides. Cone parasites attack the cones of the cycads, mostly beetles or weevils. This is combated by spraying the cones with insecticides just before the cones become sexually mature and for some weeks after. Be very careful before spraying and make sure the beetles on the plants are actual pests and not pollinators.
Stem/trunk and root parasites: larvae from certain beetles have been known to infiltrate the trunks of cycads causing rot to set in, which if untreated can kill your cycad. Treatment: Systemic insecticides and in addition, carefully cut out any infected trunk tissue, then sterilize and seal the trunk to stop any fungal and bacterial infection.
Certain ant and termite species are known to attack the roots and underground part of the trunk, causing damage and leaving the plant vulnerable to fungal and bacterial infections. Various insecticides are available on the market to combat these problem insects.
Fungal infections: various fungicides are available to fight these problems. Infected and even old dry leaves should be removed and burned to stop any spores from germinating. Bacterial infections are a more difficult matter and to date, nothing on the market has proved to be really effective. For information on pests in the rest of the world, please contact your nearest nursery or cycad expert.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. horridus |
| Conservation Status: |
E. humilis (Dwarf Cycad)
“Encephalartos humilis (Latin humilis, humble or lowly), is a dwarf species with very little clear trunk and short, keeled, twisted and recurved leaves with entire leaflets. This species grows in subalpine grassland, on slopes on sandy soils over sandstones and are often wedged between sandstone rocks.
Populations are mostly found on east and northeast facing slopes. Heavy rains and dense mists favour coning. This species is threatened by the lack of natural fires in vast managed plantations and this possibly suppresses coning frequency.
The plant is acaulescent; its stem 0.3 m tall and 20 cm in diameter. The leaves are 30-50 cm long, dark green, semiglossy and slightly keeled (opposing leaflets inserted at 120-160° on rachis). The rachis is yellowish, straight with last third sharply recurved, slightly twisted in some leaves; petiole straight, with no prickles. The leaf-base collar is not present and basal leaflets are not reducing to spines. Leaflets are linear, strongly discolorous, not overlapping and not lobed, insertion angle obtuse (45-80°). The margins are flat, upper margin entire (no teeth), lower margin entire (no teeth), and median leaflets are 9-13 cm long and 4-6 mm wide.
Pollen cones 1, narrowly ovoid, brown, 15-20 cm long, 4-5 cm diameter. Seed cones 1, ovoid, brown, 25-30 cm long, 8-10 cm diameter. Seeds ovoid, 25-30 mm long, 20-25 mm wide, sarcotesta yellow.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | blue-green | low watering | slow growth | frost-hardy | rare |
E. humilis does not cone easily and only produces one cone per stem. It also does not transplant readily. The plants are in serious danger of becoming totally extinct.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. humilis |
| Conservation Status: |
E. inopinus (Lydenburg Cycad)
“Encephalartos inopinus (Latin: unexpected) or the Lydenburg cycad is an unusual, attractive African cycad (comparable to the Mexican companion Dioon or a Cuban Microcycas) that tolerates both sun and frost, making it a very desirable garden plant. It is threatened in the wild.
Plants are single or multistemmed (3-8 stems) and grow up to 2 m in height, sometimes up to 4 m in length for those with a procumbent (lying on the ground without rooting) growth habit. Plants have a distinctive bluish green foliage, covered with a silver powdery bloom. Male plants can produce up to five cones per crown, whereas the female plants produce between 1 and 3 cones per crown. Female cones are bluish green when young, becoming greenish yellow when mature; male cones remain a bluish colour, similar to the leaves, even at maturity. Plants sucker freely.
Cultivation:
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| semi-shade | blue-green | very low watering | fast growth | frost-resistant | rare |
E. inopinus is well suited to temperate and subtropical climates. It makes a good garden subject on its own or can be mixed with aloes, euphorbias and any other succulent plants to create a water-wise garden in full sun. Furthermore, it is fascinating if grown together with palms and herbaceous perennials where a tropical effect is desired. It is ideal as a pot plant, and remain admirable for its entire growing period.
Propagation of E. inopinus is easy from seeds or suckers. It requires a minimal amount of water and unfortunately is more vulnerable to rot infection than most other cycad species. The rainfall in its natural environment is about 375 mm per year, mainly in summer. Improve soil drainage or grow these cycads on a slope, as they are often found in nature, to prevent rot.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. inopinus |
| Conservation Status: |
E. laevifolius (Kaapsehoop Cycad)
“The main subpopulations of E. laevifolius are found within the catchment of the Crocodile River, near the Kaapsehoop Range west of Nelspruit. Isolated groups are present on the Amajuba high points above Sudwala Caves. About 130 km further to the north, the Mariepskop mountains host a disjunct subpopulation of about four groups of the same species. Isolated smaller colonies are found to the west of this locality in the Trichardtsdal area. It is also present near Pigg’s Peak in Swaziland. Further to the south it occurs/used to occur east of Helpmekaar and on the KwaZulu-Natal and Eastern Cape border in the Umtamvuna river valley. Recorded to occur from 950 up to 1,800 m.
The leaves are up to 1.5 m long, bluish-green with a silvery bloom on the upper side and a slightly lighter green on the lower side. The petiole is about 60-250 mm long and yellow. Leaves are straight and stiff, but they curve gradually downwards and are often slightly twisted near the apex. Young leaves have a dense white woolly outer layer which disappears at maturity. The median leaflets attain a length of up to 100-150 mm and a width of 5-7 mm, and are leathery without nodules. The undersurfaces have 10-12 parallel nerves which are clearly visible. At the base, the leaflets are reduced in size, and spineless.
Male and female plants bear 1-5 yellow-green cones per season per stem. Cones are at first covered with short whitish hairs, which are soon lost to give the final smooth pale brown appearance. The male cones are 300-430 x 80-115 mm and curve sideways at the time of pollen shedding. The female cones are about 400-450 x 150-190 mm. The cones are produced in May with the male cones shedding pollen during September-November, and the female cones starting to disintegrate during January-March, releasing 350-385 seeds per cone.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | blue-green | low watering | slow growth | frost-hardy | rare |
Encephalartos laevifolius grows relatively slowly and survives well in full sun or light shade, and is very frost-hardy. It is easily propagated from seeds and suckers (the young plants that grow around the main stem).
The seeds should be collected, cleaned and stored in a brown paper bag at 10-15°C for six months or more, to allow the embryo to fully develop. The seeds are cleaned to ensure that all the flesh is removed since it may contain germination inhibitors, and can also promote the growth of fungi. The flesh is scraped away with a knife but protective gloves should be worn during the cleaning operation to prevent contact with the slow-acting poisons present in the flesh. If the flesh is hard and dry, it helps to soak the seeds in water for a day or two before cleaning. Even if the seeds have been cleaned, it is a good idea to soak them for a few days, preferably with daily changes of water, before planting them. When the seeds are placed in water, the viable ones will sink and the non-viable ones will float.
To germinate the seeds, place the cleaned seeds on their sides half-buried on washed sand or potting mix, and keep at about 28°C. It is necessary to keep the medium moist, but not too wet, for as long as it takes for germination to take place. As soon as the radicals of the sprouted kernels are 10-20 mm long, they can be planted singly in bags containing potting soil or some other suitable medium. Alternatively one can wait until the seedlings develop one or two leaves before transplanting them individually into bags.
Because cycad seedlings form long tap roots, it is advisable to use tall narrow perforated black plastic bags about 24×12 cm in size for their initial establishment. Place the seedlings under shade for the first few years of growth and development. Initially the seedlings must be watered daily with a fine spray. After about a month, as their roots elongate, the frequency of watering should be decreased to once a week. The seedlings can be transplanted into the garden when they are 3-5 years old. When preparing to propagate from suckers, a hole should be dug around the stem of the mother plant to expose the base and roots of the suckers. A clean sharp knife or sharp spade should be used to remove the sucker from the mother plant. The wound should then be treated with a fungicide and dried for about a week before planting the sucker into a sterile medium.
Cycads are ideal for a low-maintenance garden, as they require a minimum amount of water and are undemanding in their soil and environmental needs.
Pests troublesome to cycads are scale insects, beetles and chewing insects. Scale insects cause great damage to cycad leaves by sucking the sap from them. Most scale insects can be controlled with regular and frequent applications of horticultural soluble oil such as white oil. Beetles seriously damage cycad plants by attacking the emerging young leaves. Control can be kept by application of contact or systemic insecticides, or one of the bacterial preparations available.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. laevifolius |
| Conservation Status: |
E. lanatus (Olifants River Cycad)
“Encephalartos lanatus, also known as the Olifants River Cycad or the Woolly Cycad, occurs in the upper catchment area of the Olifants River in the Middelburg, Witbank and Bronkhorstspruit districts of the Gauteng and Mpumalanga provinces in South Africa. It also occurs along the Little Olifants and Wilge rivers in this area. It is normally a medium-sized, single-stemmed plant about 1–1,5 m high. In the garden, it enjoys a position in full sun and is a strong architectural plant that makes a good focal point. E. lanatus is frost-hardy, fire-adapted and drought-resistant.
It is a small, slow-growing tree with stems usually about 1,5 -2,5m long and 25–30 cm in diameter. The young leaves are grey and woolly and have a curved apex. Mature leaves are greyish green, about 60–80 cm in length.
Both male and female cones are densely woolly when young, and become yellow with age. They are dioecious, i.e. the cones are borne on separate plants. Female cones are barrel-shaped, 25–30 cm long and 12–15 mm in diameter. Male cones are cylindrical, 25–30 cm long and 5–6 cm in diameter. E. lanatus sometimes sends out suckers at the base of the main stem. The mature seeds are yellow and fleshy and smaller than those of other commonly cultivated species such as E. altensteinii.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | blue-green | low watering | slow growth | frost-hardy | common |
E. lanatus is easily grown from seed. Hand pollination is necessary for a successful seed harvest in cultivation. Pollen can be collected as soon as it starts shedding. If a slight tapping of the male cone sheds pollen, then the cone is ready to be harvested. Pollen should be stored at – 15°C for best results. The female cone scales have to be monitored to check if they are open. The window of the scale opening varies with plants, from three days to two weeks. The wet method using distilled water in a syringe could give a good pollination rate. After female cones have been collected the seed is left to mature for a year before sowing at the beginning of summer.
For best results, seed is sown in river sand on a heated bench at 24–28°C. Germination should start after three weeks after sowing. However, some seeds will take longer.
E. lanatus is slow-growing and reported to be very difficult to transplant; plants die easily or take a long time to recover when transplanted. Leaves and cones are prone to scale and mealybugs.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. lanatus |
| Conservation Status: |
E. latifrons (Albany Cycad)
“Encephalartos latifrons, also known as the Albany Cycad, occurs in South Africa in the biodiversity hotspot region known as the Maputaland-Pondoland-Albany hotspot, which is an important centre of plant endemism. It is uncertain how widespread or abundant E. latifrons was prior to human settlement, but there are historic records of populations being scattered through the Albany and Bathurst districts of the Eastern Cape Province.It is in a critical state with no natural seed set and continuing decline.
Based on plants in collections and studies of matched photographs, the population has declined by >80% over the past 100 years. The area of occupancy is estimated to be 9 km² and the population is extremely fragmented with most individuals separated from each other by more than by one kilometre. The sex ratio is ca. four males to one female so that the effective population size is extremely small. All subpopulations comprise less than 20 plants, which is non-viable for supporting pollinators and there appears to have been no recruitment for more than 50 years.
Stems of E. latifrons are up to 3m tall, and even as tall as 4,5m in exceptional cases, with a diameter of 30cm to 45cm. Stems may be single but are more usually branched from the base, sometimes forming a number of stems and suckers. Before new leaves emerge, the crown of the stem becomes woolly. The beautiful broad leaves of E. latifrons may be 1m to 1,5m long with the top half or third, recurved or completely curled back. The mature leaf is hard and rigid, with a glossy dark green colour. The glossy rachis is clear and yellow. The young leaf is covered by fine hairs, which are lost with age. The petiole is 10cm to 20cm long and the leaf base has a conspicuous yellow-white collar. The leaflets are attached to the rachis in a V-form, which is narrower towards the top of the leaf. The leaflets at the middle of the leaf are 10cm to 15cm long and 4cm to 6cm broad, excluding the lobes. The leaflets are 1,5cm to 2cm broad where they are attached to the rachis. The tips of the leaflets (and of the lobes) are pointed and fairly sharp. The upper margin of the leaflet is usually smooth, but may sometimes be toothed. The lower margin of the leaflet carries 2 to 4 triangular lobes, which are twisted out of the plane of the leaflet. The leaflets overlap upwards, especially in the top third of the leaf. Viewed from the side, the lowest lobes point downwards and the upper ones upwards, to form an interlocking pattern, which is very characteristic of the species. The leaflets are usually prominently nerved, especially on the under-side. The leaflets become more widely spread on the rachis towards the base of the leaf and become reduced in size. Only the very lowest ones sometimes become prickle-like, however. Some variation occurs in the appearance of the leaves, as is found in many other species. Some leaves are more sharply recurved than others while the leaflets may be generally smaller in some than in others. Some collectors believe that there areobservable differences between the leaves of male and female plants. One to three cones may be formed. The colour of the cones is dark olive-green or dark bluish-green. The cones are carried on very short stout stalks. The cone scales are sparsely covered with fine hair. The male cone is almost cylindrical in shape and 30 to 50 cm long and 8 to 17 cm in diameter. It becomes narrower towards both ends.
The scales at the middle of the cone are approximately 6cm to 7cm long and 3cm to 3,5cm broad, with prominent 2cm long beaks, which are curved downwards or sideways. The upper and lower surfaces of the scale are variably ribbed. The female cone is barrel-shaped, 50cm to 60cm long and 25cm in diameter, with a mass of up to 27kg. The median cone scales are about 8,5cm long and 5,5cm broad. The scale face protrudes 2cm to 2,5cm and is deeply furrowed, wrinkled and pimply. There are usually approximately 15 spirals of scales.
The seeds are red in colour and large, approximately 5cm long and 2cm to 2,5cm in diameter. They are angled as a result of compression and have a fleshy beak.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. latifrons |
| Conservation Status: |
E. lebomboensis (Lebombo Cycad)
“E.lebomboensis is said to be one of the most popular cycads in cultivation, although there is some confusion about its identity. Several populations of what were previously regarded as E. lebomboensis are now regarded as E. senticosus, including most of those found on the Lebombo Mountains.
It was first described in 1949 by Dr Inez Verdoorn. Its centre of distribution was the Lebombo Mountains, stretching from northern KwaZulu-Natal through Swaziland and up into Mpumalanga. In 1995 Dr Piet Vorster re-named the plants from the central part of the geographic range (the Lebombo range from 50 km north of Siteki in Swaziland to the Josini Dam/Pongolapoort Dam in Kwazulu-Natal) as E. senticosus, based mainly on differences in their cones. It was from this latter site, when the dam was developed in the 1960s, that many cycads were collected and entered the nursery trade as E. lebomboensis, although they are now E. senticosus.
Today E. lebomboensis is described as occuring in two areas, although this view is debated by some. There is a northern form around Mananga in Mpumalanga and a southern form centred around Piet Retief on the upper Pongola River Valley. Both forms are commonly found in cultivation.
This is a medium to large cycad with stems which can grow to 4 m long. It is often procumbent with a crown of light to dark green, glossy leaves. It grows singly or in clumps of up to eight stems. It forms numerous suckers from the base and occasional offsets on the trunks. Stems of the Piet Retief form are shorter and stouter.
The differences between the forms are slight, with the Piet Retief form having narrower leaflets and female cones which are usually solitary, barrel-shaped and greeny- cream, as opposed to more apricot yellow, egg-shaped cones of the Mananga form.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | green | low watering | average growth | frost-resistant | common |
This cycad is suited to tropical and warm temperature regions. It is easily grown, hardy in full sun or light shade, relatively fast growing and transplants easily. It requires excellent drainage and may be damaged by heavy frosts, but can withstand light frosts. This cycad can be grown from seed or from the removal of suckers which transplant readily.
For more about the pests of cycads, please see Encephalartos horridus.
When obtaining cycads for your garden, please be sure to buy from reputable sources and guard against doing anything that might endanger wild populations of these plants.”
| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. lebomboensis |
| Conservation Status: |
E. lehmannii (Karoo Cycad)
“Encephalartos lehmannii is a low-growing palm-like cycad that is commonly known as the Karoo cycad. It is endemic to South Africa. This cycad has been described as the hardiest, most drought resistant of the South African species. In the past, many specimens of this cycad were removed from the wild for cultivation. The species name lehmannii commemorates Prof J.G.C. Lehmann, a German botanist who studied the cycads and published a book on them in 1834.
This low-growing, small to medium cycad with an erect trunk up to 2 m tall and 400 mm across, forms clumps of up to 10 stems, with suckers produced from the base. Old leaf bases form ring patterns on the stem, the surface of which is papery and dry. It has beautiful blue leaves which are 1-1.5 m long. The whorls of leaves become entangled as the plant becomes bushy and the crowns appear to lose individual identity.
Male and female plants produce a single cone per stem. Male cones are sub-cylindrical, 250-350 mm long, 80-100 mm in diameter, carried on a short stem (peduncle), 50-120 mm long. They are bluish green, with a covering of blackish red, fine hairs which thin out as the cone grows, allowing the green to show through.
Female cones are barrel-shaped, 450-500 mm long and approx. 250 mm in diameter. They are similar in colour to male cones, if slightly darker. They also have distinct, slightly ‘warty’ ridges separating otherwise smooth facets of cone-scales and a covering of fine, brownish ‘hair’. Seeds are deep red in colour.
Coning occurs every two years if sufficient rain falls, but may cease during prolonged droughts. Seeds are capable of germinating even if only occasional light mists occur to provide moisture.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | blue | very low watering | fast growth | frost-hardy | common |
Encephalartos lehmannii is easy to cultivate. It is an extremely hardy and attractive species with excellent ornamental qualities. It requires neutral to alkaline soil with very good drainage. If grown in shade and with too much moisture, the leaves will lose their metallic blue colour and will turn green, so plant it in a sunny position. It is suited to temperate regions including those with a semi-arid climate and tolerates moderate to heavy frosts. Do not over-water.
Propagation: From seed and by removal of suckers which transplant readily.
Pests: to be on the lookout for in southern Africa: Leaf parasites range from moth larvae to plant lice and can all be rather well controlled with contact insecticides. Cone parasites, mostly beetles or weevils, attack the cones of both male and female plants and can cause great destruction. Spray the cones with insecticide just before the cones become sexually mature and for some weeks after. Be very careful before spraying: make sure the beetles on the plants are actual pests and not pollinators.
Stem/trunk and root parasites: larvae from certain beetles have been known to infiltrate the trunks of cycads causing rot to set in, which if untreated, can kill the cycad. Treat with a systemic insecticide and in addition, carefully cut out any infected trunk tissue, then sterilize and seal the trunk to stop any fungal and bacterial infection.
Certain ant and termite species are known to attack the roots and the underground part of the trunk, causing damage and leaving the plant vulnerable to fungal and bacterial infections. Various insecticides are available on the market to combat these problem insects.
Various fungicides are available to fight fungal infections. Infected and even old dry leaves should be removed and burned to stop any remaining spores from germinating. Bacterial infections are a more difficult matter and up to date, nothing on the market has proved to be really effective.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. lehmannii |
| Conservation Status: |
E. longifolius (Suurberg Cycad)
“Encephalartos longifolius, also known as the Suurberg Cycad or Thunberg’s Cycad, is a low-growing palm-like cycad that is endemic to South Africa. The species name comes from the Latin longis, long and folius, leaf. This species is found in coastal regions of Eastern Cape Province, South Africa growing at heights of up to six hundred metres. It grows in a variety of different habitats on the mountain ridges from west of Joubertina in the Kouga mountains east to near Grahamstown. There are a large number of locations where breadpalms grow but on the whole, populations are declining.
Interesting Note: This was the first cycad seen by the early colonists pushing eastwards. This was Thunberg’s breadtree; and this species almost changed the course of South African history for its seeds nearly killed General Smuts and men of a Boer commando in the eastern Cape during the Anglo-Boer War. Colonel Deneys Reitz writes in his book Commando how Smuts and his men, camping on the Suurberg, were poisoned after eating the seeds of Encephalartos altensteinii. Botanists today know that Reitz mistook the species, and that it was Thunberg’s breadtree that poisoned the party.
The stems, which are mostly erect, can reach a height of 4.5 m. Branching rarely occurs, but up to 10 stems may originate from the base.
The young leaves are covered in fine hairs that disappear later. The leaves are 1-2 m in length and are mostly glossy and dark green. The last third of the leaf curves strongly downwards giving the crown a relatively compact umbrella shape. The leaflets may be moderately spaced, but can sometimes overlap and they can be up to 200 mm long. The edges of the leaflets are normally smooth but can sometimes have 1-3 teeth on the lower margin. The tip terminates in a sharp spine or it can be rounded.
Encephalartos longifolius cones are very large and are of the heaviest of all the South African cycads, with female cones weighing up to 36 kg. The male plants bear up to 3 greenish brown cones that are 400-600 x 150-200 mm. The females bear 1 (rarely 2) olive-green cones that are 500-600 x 400 mm.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | blue-green | low watering | average growth | frost-resistant | common |
Encephalartos longifolius is suitable for container planting and is a great feature plant in a garden. It is suited to temperate and cool subtropical regions. Mature plants prefer full sun and they may tolerate light frosts. They prefer a moderately acid, well-drained sandy-loam soil. Do not over-water as most cycads are susceptible to root rot. This can spread to the rest of the plant if it is not stopped in time. Cycads require regular feeding with a balanced inorganic fertilizer. Mulching with compost or manure will improve soil condition and add extra nutrition.
Seed can be propagated in spring in seedling trays filled with clean river sand and kept in an area where temperatures of between 25-28°C are maintained. Remove the fleshy outer layer from the seed by soaking in water for a few days. Rub off this layer and let the seeds dry. Use gloves during this process as this soft layer contains toxins. Germination takes place over 3-6 months, after which the seedlings should be carefully removed and planted in plastic growing bags filled with a well-drained medium. When they are large enough (approximately 2 years), plant in large pots or in the garden.
Mealy bugs and scale are the main pests of cycads in cultivation but they can be controlled with a systemic insecticide. Cycad cones attract snout beetles that often destroy the seeds. Spray the cones with a contact insecticide if these beetles are noticed. It is recommended that a contact insecticide be applied regularly when new leaves are noticed as a tiny gall midge favours the newly emerging leaves and can destroy them.
Recipe for a suitable growing medium:
- 4 shovels clean, coarse, river sand
- 4 shovels milled pine bark
- 2.5 shovels loam
- 40 g dolomite or dolomitic lime
- 3 g iron sulphate
- Include a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate stipulated on the product.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. longifolius |
| Conservation Status: |
E. middelburgensis (Middelburg Cycad)
“Encephalartos middelburgensis, also known as the Middelburg Cycad, is confined to the Witbank and Middelburg districts in the upper catchment areas of the Olifants River, which include the Wilge and Klein Olifants Rivers, in the provinces of Gauteng and Mpumalanga of South Africa. It is a blue-leaved cycad covered with persistent powdery bloom. It thrives in full sunlight and is frost-hardy. It is distinguished within the group of blue-leaved species of northern South Africa by its long, straight leaves with terminal part curving very slightly upwards, with entire leaflets and reddish brown cones with fine brown hairs.
E. middelburgensis is a large cycad, with an aerially unbranched, erect stem which tends to recline when long, growing in clumps of up to twelve stems and producing suckers freely from the base; the stem grows up to 7m tall with a diameter of 250-400 mm; the stem apex is characterised by inconspicuous, long and slender cataphylls (scale leaves).
The leaves are stiff, attain a length of 1.0-1.5 m, bluish-green, straight, with the apex tending to curve very slightly upwards, with persistent powdery bloom and with the same colour on both upper and lower side. Young leaves are often silvery due to a dense covering of powdery bloom. Leaflets tend to shield one another downwards but only at the leaf apex; median leaflets are leathery and without nodules, 180-190 mm long and 14-19 mm broad. The margin of the lower leaflets tends to curve upwards while that of the upper ones tends to curve downwards; the basal leaflets decrease in size, usually to one or two spines. The petiole (leaf stalk) is triangular and 100-200 mm long.
Male and female plants bear 4-8 reddish brown cones per season per stem. Male cones attain a length of up to 450-700 mm and a diameter of 85-130 mm, having a stalk up to 50-170 mm long. Female cones attain a length of up to 350-450 mm and a diameter of 170-200 mm, with a stalk up to 150 mm long which is usually obscured largely by the cataphylls of the stem. Cones of Encephalartos middelburgensis do not disintegrate spontaneously as those of the other species do, but dry out during September-October to yield 170-260 detached seeds. Seeds are yellow to light brown, with a length of 38-40 mm and a diameter of 22-24 mm.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | blue-green | very low watering | average growth | frost-hardy | rare |
Encephalartos midddelburgensis is easily propagated from seeds and suckers (the young plants that grow around the main stem). Seedlings at the one-leaf stage are susceptible to the fungal disease ‘damping off’ which kills the seedling’s single leaf at ground level.
The seeds should be collected, cleaned and stored in a brown paper bag at 10-15°C for six months or more, to allow the embryo to fully develop. The seeds are cleaned to ensure that all the flesh is removed since it may contain germination inhibitors and can also promote the growth of fungi. The flesh is scraped away with a knife. Protective gloves should be worn during the cleaning operation to prevent contact with the slow-acting poisons present in the flesh. If the flesh is hard and dry, it helps to soak the seeds in water for a day or two before cleaning. Even if the seeds have been cleaned, it is a good idea to soak them for a few days, preferably with daily changes of water, before planting them. When the seeds are placed in water, the viable ones will sink and the non-viable ones will float.
To germinate the seeds, place the cleaned seeds on their sides half buried on washed sand or potting mix, and keep at about 28°C. It is necessary to keep the medium moist, but not too wet, for as long as it takes for germination to take place. As soon as the radicals of the sprouted kernels are 10-20 mm long, they can be planted singly in plastic bags containing potting soil or some other suitable medium. Alternatively, one can wait until the seedlings develop one or two leaves before transplanting them individually into bags.
Because cycad seedlings form long tap roots, it is advisable to use tall narrow perforated black plastic bags about 24 x12 cm in size for their initial establishment. Place the seedlings under shade for the first few years of growth and development. Initially the seedlings must be watered daily with a fine spray. After about a month, as their roots elongate, the frequency of watering should be decreased to once a week. The seedlings can be transplanted into the garden when they are 3-5 years old.
When preparing to propagate from suckers, a hole should be dug around the stem of the mother plant to expose the base and roots of the suckers. One must use a clean sharp knife or sharp spade to remove the sucker from the mother plant. The wound should then be treated with flowers of sulphur or a fungicide such as Benlate or Kaptan and dried for about a week before planting the sucker into a sterile medium.
Cycads are ideal for a low maintenance garden, as they require a minimum of water and are undemanding in their soil and environmental needs.
Pests troublesome to cycads are scale insects, beetles and chewing insects. Scale insects cause great damage to cycad leaves by sucking the sap from them. Most scale insects can be controlled with regular and frequent applications of horticultural soluble oil such as white oil. Beetles seriously damage cycad plants by attacking the emerging young leaves. Control can be kept by application of contact or systemic insecticides, or one of the bacterial preparations available.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. middelburgensis |
| Conservation Status: |
E. msinganus (Msinga Cycad)
“Encephalartos msinganus occurs in a small area in the Msinga district, in the drainage area of the Buffels River, which runs into the Tugela, east of Tugela Ferry, KwaZulu-Natal province, South Africa. It grows in short grassland on steep north-facing slopes, usually amongst boulders in scrub clumps. Plants are less commonly found on sandstone cliff faces, more or less in direct sunlight. Unconfirmed reports suggest that plants growing on different aspects had slight differences in leaf morphology.
The trunks are well developed, often sprouting from the bases to form clumps. The trunk is erect but usually leaning to some extent, up to 3m tall and about 350mm thick, covered with the usual geometrical pattern of old leaf bases and the crown is covered with dense brown wool.
The leaves are of medium length, 1100mm to 1500mm long, rigid, usually straight but sometimes slightly arched and dark glossy green. The petioles (leaf stalks) are thornless, hairless, and short at 20mm to 100mm long.
The leaflets at the basal end of the leaf are progressively reduced in size towards the base of the leaf with the lowermost in the form of prickles. The leaflets situated at about the middle of the leaf are pointed towards the apex of the leaf at an angle of about 60° with the leaf axis (rachis). Opposing leaflets are placed with an angle of about 90° between them, they are spaced 15mm to 25mm apart, not overlapping or with the lower margin slightly overlapping the upper margin of the leaflet below it when viewing the upper surface. The leaflets are hard in texture, narrowly ovate, without teeth or with teeth on both margins. The apices end in sharp and hard spines. The leaflets are 140mm to 170mm long and 16mm to 20mm wide.
The male cones are on stalks up to 70mm long, 2 to 4 per stem, very narrowly egg-shaped, appearing hairless, pale yellow, and 300mm to 400mm long and 110mm to 120mm across. The exposed faces of the cone scales are rhombic, and drawn out into prominent drooping beaks towards their terminal facet which is the only facet to be clearly defined.
The female cones are sessile (i.e. not stalked), egg-shaped, one to two per stem, initially greenish yellow but turning brighter yellow as they become mature but with the colour to a greater or lesser extent masked by a cloak of brown, felt-like hair, and about 420mm long and 220mm across in the typical example measured. The exposed faces of the cone scales have poorly defined facets, are more or less raised towards the terminal facet, and warty. The seeds have a bright red sarcotesta (fleshy covering layer).
Cultivation:
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| semi-shade | dark green | very low watering | fast growth | frost-hardy | rare |
Encephalartos msinganus appears to be free from vices and tolerant of maltreatment. Plants grown from seed in Stellenbosch, a place with cool wet winters and short summers, grow about as fast as E. aemulans, E. lebomboensis, and E. natalensis. Like all cycads, E. msinganus grows under very well-drained conditions. In addition, temperatures are decidedly high, rainfall probably not much higher than 600mm per year, and they grow more or less in blazing sunlight.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. msinganus |
| Conservation Status: |
E. natalensis (Natal Giant Cycad)
“Encephalartos natalensis is a species of cycad that is found in Qumbu and Tabankulu areas of the northern part of the Eastern Cape, through most of KwaZulu-Natal up to the upper catchment areas of the Mkuze and Umfolozi rivers near Vryheid in South Africa.
It is an evergreen quick-growing cycad, up to 6.5 m high and with a stem or trunk of about 0.4 m in diameter. The stem sometimes branches, but reclines only when other stems emerge from the base. It has a golden, woolly crown, which increases on production of cones or new whorls of leaves. The leaves are of medium size, about 1.5-3 m long and slightly curved or straight. The leaflets are about 160-230 x 25-45 mm, dark green and entire or with 1-5 teeth on one or both margins. The lower leaflets are reduced to spines. New leaves and cones are covered with yellowish brown wool. There are separate male and female plants; both genders produce 2 or 3 orangy-yellow to orangy-red cones.
The male cones are cylindrical, yellowish-green, velvety, about 450-500 mm long, and 90-120 mm across, and shed their pollen in April to June. The female cones are oblong to oblong-ovate, about 500-600 mm long and 250-300 mm in diameter. The faces of the cone scales are wrinkled. The cones disintegrate spontaneously from November to January, each yielding 415-510 bright red seeds which are about 25-35 mm long and 12-18 mm in diameter.
The specific name natalensis means from Natal, which is now KwaZulu-Natal. This cycad is the most variable of all Encephalartos species.
Cultivation:
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| semi-shade | dark green | low watering | fast growth | frost-resistant | common |
Propagate from seed. Encephalartos natalensis grows relatively quickly and thrives in light shade or sun. Plant it in a well-drained rich soil mixture and give it moderate moisture. Some forms of E. natalensis are much more frost resistant than others, but give all of them some protection from cold when young. Plant seedlings into the garden when about 3 years old, and with leaves about 1 m long. Remove any old and dead leaves.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. natalensis |
| Conservation Status: |
E. ngoyanus (Ngoye Dwarf Cycad)
“Encephalartos ngoyanus, the Ngoye dwarf cycad, is a cycad growing to 1 m in height. The species has two discrete distribution areas, one in KwaZulu-Natal, the other in Swaziland and southern Mozambique. The habitat is grassland, often among rocks and forest margins, particularly the Ngoye forest for which the species has been named. Rainfall in this region is high, from 750 mm to 1000 mm per annum.
Veld fires stimulate coning in the plants, but too frequent fires have brought threat to the species, as does illegal plant collecting. E. ngoyanus is rare and considered vulnerable in its habitat in the twenty first century. This species has a comparatively slow reproduction rate among the cycad species.
It has an underground stem of about 30 cm long as well as tuberous roots, but no multiplying of stems from suckering. The stiffly erect leaves become from 60 cm to 1,25 m long with straight green rachises. Both the petiole (the leaf stalk below the lowermost leaflets) and rachis (the sturdy leaf axis from which the leaflets grow) are grey woolly. The petioles are about 15 cm long. The pale to dark green leaflets are ribbon-shaped (lorate) with entire margins or with one to three teeth.
Leaflets are well-spaced rendering them non-overlapping and orderly arranged along the rachis. The leaflets are woolly hairy when young, but later only upon their lower surfaces. Leaflets are 7 cm to 10 cm long and 8 mm wide. The leaves are softer and more flexible than those of E. caffer, the plant’s closest resembling relative.
Single cones are grown, dark yellow to pale brown in colour. Cones growing in shade tend to be olive green, not managing the yellow colouring. The seeds are red.
Cultivation:
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| semi-shade | green | low watering | slow growth | frost-resistant | uncommon |
E. ngoyanus grows well in cultivation but is not a vigorous grower and seldom has more than 8 to 10 leaves in a crown. It is often deciduous before new leaves or cones emerge. It prefers slightly dry conditions and should be grown in full sun. In its habitat they are found growing on steep slopes between boulders indicating its need for good drainage. Seedlings are very prone to damping off and should not be over watered.
It is semi hardy to frost and will often lose its leaves particularly on the Highveld. Such dormancy is normal and plants should not be watered when the leaves turn yellow in the autumn. Propagation is by seed only.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. ngoyanus |
| Conservation Status: |
E. nubimontanus (Blue Cycad)
“Encephalartos nubimontanus(Latin: nubis, black, and montanus, mountain) used to occur in the Drakensberg in the Limpopo province, South Africa. Plants were found in low open deciduous woodland on cliff faces and in direct sunlight, along the mountain range to the north and east of Penge. Occurred at an altitude of 1,000 m.
It was originally known from 66 plants, only 8 were counted in a 2001 survey and none could be found in a 2004 survey despite very careful searching. The species is popular with collectors and there has been much poaching activity in the Limpopo Province of South Africa.
It is most similar to E. cupidus, differing in the larger and arborescent habit and the longer leaves with longer petioles and often recurving tips. Apical cone-scales are in both seed and pollen cones of E. nubimontanus. They are sterile and extended, unlike those of E. cupidus, and cones are glaucous rather than dark green. Fully adult leaflets also tend to be entire.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | blue | very low watering | fast growth | frost-resistant | rare |
Encephalartos nubimontanus is the fastest growing blue leaved African cycad, more vigorous than other members of the ‘Eugene-maraisii complex’, it forms clusters of offsets, handles wetter conditions and prefers full sun. It is hardy, adaptable and striking in appearance. As a garden subject, it is one of the most spectacular of all cycad species and is quite adaptable in cultivation.
When young they can be grown as a container plant and eventually transplanted into the garden. As a garden plant, this cycad will usually hold two or three crowns of leaves, all in good condition. Likes lots of water in the growing season.
Growing rate: This species is a fast grower and in 5 to 8 years will develop into a nice plant. It responds well to cultivation provided it is grown in sun, is well drained, with sufficient moisture in frost-free conditions. It is best to grow young seedlings on until the leaves are about a meter high before planting in the open ground.
Soils: It grows in all sorts of soil type, but prefer well drained, gritty soil with plenty of water, especially in dry weather.
Transplanting: This species transplants easily as a mature plant, although it is recommended to remove all of the leaves before doing so. This makes for easier handling and the plant will recover sooner due to less moisture loss.
Exposure: It thrives and grows best in filtered sun or shade. When grown in full sun, the leaves are a little shorter and less likely to be damaged by wind. The leaves of those plants grown in the shade can become stretched out and damage the caudex if they break off close to their base.
Watering: In cultivation prefers moist soil with good drainage for optimal growth. But it is eventually drought resistant. Irrigation systems can be detrimental to cycads, damaging the leaves and stems from the pressure of the water as well as over-watering.
Propagation: It may be propagated by seeds. They are among the easiest plants to germinate, but appears to need shade for successful germination. It is sown on a bed of clean coarse sand which has a bottom heat of 25-28°C. The seeds are pushed into the sand so as that they are level with the surface of the sand. Water each day and within two months the seeds begin to germinate by producing a root followed by leaves. Within 10 months the seedlings are removed and potted into a 3 litre plastic sleeve containing a well-drained growing medium which contains some agricultural lime. Within a year these seedlings need to be repotted into 30 cm pots to encourage the plants to develop. Keeping encephalartos in small containers prevents them from growing. Once in the open ground they develop well.
Fertilization: Naturally undemanding for nutrients, it responds very well to regular applications of fertilizer. Growth can be greatly improved through the application of fertilizers. Most growers find that a fertilizer having an even NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) balance, and supplemental trace elements, provides a good start for cycads.
Wind tolerance: It prefers a sheltered position providing protection from the prevailing winds.
Hardiness: It is suited to subtropical and warm temperate regions. Frost may burn the leaves but will not easily kill established plants.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. nubimontanus |
| Conservation Status: |
E. paucidentatus (Barberton Cycad)
“Encephalartos paucidentatus, also known as the Barberton Cycad, is endemic to the mountains near Barberton in Mpumalanga Province, and near Piggs Peak in the northwestern part of Swaziland, South Africa. This species occurs sparsely on steep, often rocky, slopes in low forest and mountain bush. Plants grow mainly between trees alongside streams in deep gorges.
Growing in regions that are heavily forested with steep rocky slopes and in semi shade, those found on rock cliffs have slender stems while those found growing in semi shaded area have thicker stems which can reach up to 6m in length and 40 to 70cm in diameter. The climate is hot in summer and cold in winter.
The dark green glossy leaves are 1 to 2m long and are flat and straight with the tips of the outer leaves curving gently upwards and inwards, although not to the same extent as in the Heenanii, its close relative. Female cones are a golden yellow colour, heavily wrinkled and covered with a fine golden brown wool which is gradually lost as the cone matures.
The seeds are red.
Cultivation:
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| semi-shade | dark green | low watering | slow growth | frost-resistant | uncommon |
Encephalartos paucidentatus is best cultivated in semi shade, although can be grown in full sun. It requires good mulching and water in dry seasons or periods. Mature plants resent disturbances and are slow to re-establish, often taking a number of years before producing a new set of leaves.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. paucidentatus |
| Conservation Status: |
E. princeps (Kei Cycad)
“Encephalartos princeps, also known as the Kei cycad (Eng.); keibroodboom (Afr.); umguza, umphanga (Xhosa), is a lovely blue-leaved cycad that is restricted to the catchment area of the Great Kei River (Eastern Cape). The plants grow in riverine scrub between rocks and on doleritic cliffs. The annual rainfall in its distribution area ranges from 420-520 mm, with hot summers and cool winters.
It is a woody plant with about 10-15 aerial, erect stems that form a cluster, though the stems may sometimes recline or lie flat on the ground. The stems may develop to a height of up to 5 m and a diameter of 300-400 mm.
The leaves are 120-200 mm long, straight but curving downwards at the apex. They are blue-green with a silvery bloom when still young, but darken slightly with age. The median leaflets attain a length of up to 120-150 mm and a width of 10-13 mm. The leaflets at the base are reduced in size, and have one or two spines at the most.
Male and female plants bear 1-3 dull green cones per season per stem. The cones are produced in January, with the male cone shedding pollen during April-June, and the female cones starting to break up during October-December.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | blue | very low watering | slow growth | frost-hardy | uncommon |
Encephalartos princeps is an adaptable plant well suited to warm, temperate and subtropical climates, and can handle light frosts. With its bright foliage heightened by full sun, it is a commanding accent plant in the general landscape and makes an excellent tubbed specimen
It can be grown in full sun without its leaves burning. Its colour makes it a good subject for the nightscape. Its beauty and ease of horticulture make it one of the finest cycads for use in the garden. It is partially drought tolerant and wind tolerant.
As a garden plant, this cycad will usually hold one or two crowns of leaves, all in good condition. As a seedling, it often loses its previous year’s leaves before the new leaves emerge. The seedlings need plenty of room for the tap root to develop and require very good drainage.
Growth rate: It is a long lived slow growing plant taking 15 to 20 years for one of these to produce a cone, so patience is a must.
Soils: It responds well to deep, fertile, slightly acidic, well drained, soil enriched with compost.
Watering: In cultivation prefers plenty of water, especially in dry weather for optimal growth. But it is eventually drought resistant.
Fertilization: Naturally undemanding for nutrients, it responds very well to regular applications of fertilizer. Growth can be greatly improved through the application of fertilizers. Most growers find that a fertilizer having an even NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) balance, and supplemental trace elements, provides a good start for cycads.
Exposure: It will grow in sun or partial shade, however best results are obtained growing the seedlings in full sun.
Hardiness: They do best in a tropical or sub-tropical climate and should be kept totally dry in winter at or around 10°C but demonstrate a remarkable degree of cold resistance and may tolerate light frost for short periods if dry, however heavy frosts would probably be fatal.
Propagation: Plants are not readily available from nurseries, however they are also easy to propagate from seeds. They can also be propagated from suckers with some patience and experience.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. princeps |
| Conservation Status: |
E. senticosus (Jozini Cycad)
“Encephalartos senticosus is a quick-growing, glossy dark green giant cycad, also known as the Lebombo, Jozini cycad (Eng.); lebombobroodboom (Afr.); isigqiki-somkhovu, ujubane (Zulu); sijekwane (Sotho). This species occurs from south of the Jozini dam in Northern KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa northwards along the Lebombo mountains to just north of Siteki in Swaziland. Plants are also found on the Mozambique side of the border. Recorded from 300 to 800 m.
This frost-hardy cycad prefers subtropical to warm climates and, as in many cycad species, it appreciates being planted in well-drained soil in sunny and partial shade areas.
Encephalartos senticosus is a quick-growing cycad, up to 4 m high and with a stem of about 300 mm in diameter. The stem is covered by remains of leaf bases, and has a woolly crown. The leaves are of medium size, about 1.1-1.8 m long, rigid and straight to somewhat arched and glossy dark green. The rachis (the axis of the leaf) is yellow and the leaflets are smaller in size towards the base of the leaf. They are hard, narrowly ovate and toothed, with the apices forming spines.
The cones are 3-4 per stem, usually appearing in December. The male cones are narrowly ovoid, orange to orange-yellow, on short stalks up to 100 mm, and covered by tawny, felt-like hair. They shed the pollen in April and May.
The female cones are ovoid and pale to bright yellow. The exposed surface of the cone scales is smooth and raised pyramidally. The cones disintegrate spontaneously from September to October, each yielding 280-590 bright red seeds.
Cultivation:
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| semi-shade | dark green | low watering | fast growth | frost-hardy | common |
Encephalartos senticosus grows relatively easily in a home garden and is frost resistant. The species prefers subtropical and warm temperate regions. Give it a well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Keep seedlings in shade much longer than those of the closely-related species E. lebomboensis (Mananga form).
In suitable conditions E. senticosus grows very rapidly, reaching an appreciable size within 5-10 years. Seeds germinate about one year after having been released. E. senticosus also makes a good container decoration plant.”
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E. transvenosus (Modjadji Cycad)
“Encephalartos transvenosus occurs intermittently over a large area in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. In the south the distribution starts in the northern parts of the Drakensberg mountain range. Further northwards a large isolated subpopulation is found in the Modjadji Nature Reserve. The distribution is then taken up in the Soutpansberg mountains. It extends over most of this mountain range and continues further east to the middle of the Thohoyandou area. Recorded from elevations ranging from 600 to 1,500 m . All localities of E. transvenosus are on mountain mistbelt zones. Plants grow in tall grassveld and mixed bushveld, mainly on steep rocky slopes facing southeast.
As a garden subject, Encephalartos transvenosus, with its glossy dark-green leaves, is one of the most spectacular and tallest of all cycad species. It is also one of the fastest growing, the seedlings growing rapidly and developing into an attractive garden plant with 1-m long leaves in four to five years.
The stem reaches a height of 12 to 13 m and 0.4-0.45 m in diameter. Typical of the species is the appearance of numerous dormant buds along the base of the stem. The new leaves are light green covered with fine brown hairs, while the mature leaves develop to from 1.5 to 2.5 m in length and are dark green and glossy. The leaflets, attached to the leaf stalk, are 160-250 x 25-45 mm, but reduce in size closer to the base of the leaf stalk. The leaflets overlap and a distinguishing feature is that these leaflets are reflexed from the leaf stalk.
This species is regarded as a tree as it develops to a height of 6 to 8 m or more with a leaf spread of up to 5 m. Being a gymnosperm, these plants produce cones. They are dioecious, which means male and female cones are produced on separate plants. Male cones develop to a length of 300-400 mm; the female cones are very large and heavy. The cones are golden brown in colour and are produced in late summer, weighing more than 40 kg.
Generally cycads are regarded to be slow-growing; however, given ideal growing conditions, this species will, in five years, develop into a worthwhile garden subject with leaves of at least a metre in length. All cycads are regarded as being long-lived, surviving for hundreds of years.
Cultivation:
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| semi-shade | dark green | low watering | fast growth | frost-resistant | common |
Encephalartos transvenosus is one of the most attractive of the larger cycad species and responds well to cultivation in frost-free areas, with regular watering in the dry months. Good drainage is essential and protection from sun in very hot areas will help to prevent the leaves from burning.
Adapts well to full sun or light shade and prefers a sheltered position providing protection from the prevailing winds. When young they can be grown as a container plant and eventually transplanted into the garden. This species transplants easily as a mature plant, although it is recommended to remove all the leaves before doing so. This makes for easier handling and the plant will recover sooner due to less moisture loss.
Irrigation systems can be detrimental to cycads, damaging the leaves and stems from the pressure of the water as well as over-watering.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. transvenosus |
| Conservation Status: |
E. trispinosus (Bushman's River Cycad)
“Encephalartos trispinosus occurs in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Subpopulations are found in the Great Fish, the Bushman’s and the Kowie River valleys in the Albany, Bathurst, Fort Beaufort and Peddie districts. Occurs from 100 up to 600 m. It grows in arid low succulent shrubland on rocky ridges and slopes. It is found in the shade or in full sun on rocky outcrops.
E. trispinosus develops stems up to 1 x 0.25-0.3 m, which are branched from the base and not necessarily upright, tending to lean over. A mature plant can develop 4 to 6 stems, with a number of suckers emerging at the base of the plant. The leaves, generally grey in colour, vary in size and shade of grey, depending on which population they originate from; they are 0.75-1.25 m long, and are recurved and twist towards the tip. The leaflets consist of 3 lobes with a spine borne at each point.
The cones of this species are bright yellow. One male cone is produced per stem, occasionally two. The cones are 250-350 x 70-80 mm. Female plants produce only one cone per stem and the cones are 400-500 x 180-200 mm . The scales are deeply wrinkled. The colour of the seeds ranges from pale red to orange. The cones emerge in midsummer (January-December in South Africa ).
Male cones are harvested in the autumn (April) and pollination of the female cones takes place in April-May.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | blue | very low watering | slow growth | frost-hardy | common |
E. trispinosus is one of the slower-growing cycad species but does well in cultivation and will live to a great age provided it is positioned in a sunny situation which is well-drained. It can be used as an accent plant in rockeries, lawns and as a container plant. Ideal companion plants are low-growing aloes such as Aloe arborescens, Carpobrotus and Arctotis.
This species is not tall-growing, suckers freely and forms large, attractive, grey-leaved clumps. It is hardy, withstands frost and does not require a great deal of water.
Propagation of Encephalartos trispinosus can be achieved by sowing seed or by removing well-matured suckers from the mother plant. To produce true-to-type seed it is necessary to hand-pollinate the female cone with pollen harvested from a male cone of the same species. Germination ranges from 30-40%, on average. The seed is sown in spring on a bed of clean coarse sand which has bottom heat of 25-28°C. Within two months the seed germinates, producing a radicle followed by the leaves and 10 months later the seedlings are large enough to be removed and potted into 3-litre plastic sleeves, using a well-drained growing medium. The seedlings are watered sparingly until established.
Propagation by division involves removing well-developed suckers of approximately 250 mm in diameter from the mother plant. Early spring is an ideal time, when all leaves are removed from the sucker which is then carefully pulled away from the main stem. The sucker needs to be left for two weeks so that the wound can dry before planting in clean sand to encourage root development. Once well-rooted, the sucker can be planted out in the open ground.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. trispinosus |
| Conservation Status: |
E. villosus (Forest Cycad)
“Encephalartos villosus occurs from the East London vicinity, where it is found near the coast, to the northern border of Swaziland where it may grow as far as 100 km inland. As a result of its large geographical distribution, it is notably variable in leaf and cone shape.
It is one of the most common ornamental dwarf cycads in southern Africa. It is shade-loving and produces leaves which spread out gracefully, with glossy dark green leaflets. This species is a fast grower and in 5 to 8 years will develop into a substantial plant.
This species is often found growing in clusters and the stem is usually subterranean. If a stem develops above ground, it may grow to a height of up to 0.4 m and a diameter of 250 mm, with the occasional sucker. The young leaves are densely covered with white hairs. The mature leaves are dark green, glossy and lighter green on the underside of the leaves. The leaves are 1.5 to 3 m long, with the median leaflets ranging from 150 to 250 mm in length. The width of the leaflets are 15 to 20 mm.
This species produces 1 to 4 cones on the female plants. The male cones are lemon-yellow, 600-700 x 120-150 mm, and can bear up to 5 cones. When mature, the male cone exudes an unpleasant odour. The female cone is a deep yellow, 300-500 x 200-250 mm.
The seeds are dark red.
Cultivation:
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| shade | dark green | low watering | fast growth | frost-sensitive | common |
Encephalartos villosus responds well to cultivation, provided it is grown in light shade, is well drained, with sufficient moisture in frost-free conditions. Ideal companion plants are Veltheimia bracteata, Scadoxus multiflorus subsp. catherinae, Asparagus densiflorus (Gwebe) and the genus Plectranthus.
It is best to grow young seedlings on until the leaves are about a metre high before planting in the open ground. Dig a hole half a metre square and deep. Half fill the hole with well-matured compost, add a cup of bone meal and organic fertilizer. Mix well in the hole and then plant the cycad so that the growing point is just above the level of the ground.
As far as pests are concerned, scale insects could be a problem and need to be treated with an oil based insecticide”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. villosus |
| Conservation Status: |
E. woodii (Wood's Cycad)
“Encephalartos woodii, Wood’s cycad, is famous for being extinct in nature, and for the fact that there is no known female specimen on Earth. It may well be the loneliest plant in the world.
It is endemic to the oNgoye Forest of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. It is one of the rarest plants in the world, with all specimens being clones of the type. The specific and common name both honour John Medley Wood, curator of the Durban Botanic Garden and director of the Natal Government Herbarium of South Africa, who discovered the plant in 1895.
Encephalartos woodii is a very handsome plant. The leaves are a dark glossy green, 2 to 3 m long, with a gracefully arching shape, giving this cycad a dense umbrella-shaped crown, even in young specimens. The Kirstenbosch specimen is unbranched, but mature specimens are often branched at the crown.
Encephalartos woodii reaches majestic proportions, up to 6 m in height with a trunk diameter of up to 900 mm at the base, 600 mm nearer the crown. The 100+ year-old specimens at Durban Botanic Gardens trunk circumference exceeds 2 m and has an estimated mass of 2,5 tons.
A characteristic that is unique to Encephalartos woodii is that in mature specimens the trunk broadens towards the base, forming a kind of buttress in order to support the weight of the trunk. Furthermore, towards the base of the trunk the leaf bases are so compressed by the weight it supports that the trunk is unusually smooth. At Kirstenbosch the base of the trunk is obscured by a cage that surrounds plant, put there in the 1980s to prevent suckers from being stolen again.
Encephalartos woodii produces six to eight bright orange-yellow cones. These are large, cylindrical in shape, 40 – 90 cm long, occasionally reaching a length of 1,2 m, with a diameter of 150 – 200 mm. Cones are formed on the Kirstenbosch specimen every 2-3 years, and the pollen has been used to create hybrids with a number of species in our collection.
E. woodii is very well represented in botanic gardens and cycad collections throughout the world. Possibly as many as 500 specimens exist, all of them derived from basal suckers or offsets from the original plants discovered by John Medley Wood. The Kirstenbosch specimen was acquired in 1916, also a sucker from one of the Durban Botanic Garden plants.
Encephalartos woodii is considered to be most closely related to Encephalartos natalensis. Some authorities regard it as a relic from a species now extinct, others as a mutation within Encephalartos natalensis or a robust form of this species. Still others regard it as a natural hybrid between Encephalartos natalensis and Encephalartos ferox.
Cultivation:
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| semi-shade | dark green | low watering | fast growth | frost-resistant | unobtainable |
Encephalartos woodii is possibly the most sought-after cycad in the world. It is fortunate that it is the fastest growing species of Encephalartos and one of the most vigorous in cultivation. It produces numerous suckers, and new leaves are formed every year.
For optimum growth, Encephalartos woodii requires fertile well-drained soil and ample water. It can withstand relatively long dry spells, but plants that receive regular water are healthier and have larger leaves. During summer give sufficient water to soak the root area once a week. Watering can be suspended during winter. Remember that good drainage is crucial. In hot dry regions inland, the sun tends to burn the leaves and they are better planted in light shade.
A mulch of well-rotted compost applied at least once a year around the base of the plant, plus application of a balanced fertiliser twice a year during summer (1 kg to each mature plant), will keep the plant in good condition and maintain growth.
Encephalartos woodii makes a good container plant when small, but will have to be planted out when it becomes too large. All our cycads make ideal outdoor container plants, but remember to position them where the sharp leaf spines will not do damage to passing human traffic. Use a well-drained soil mix, e.g. 6 parts coarse sand : 8 parts milled bark : 6 parts friable loam. Add dolomitic lime, iron sulphate and a slow release inorganic fertiliser.
Encephalartos woodii, being fast-growing, will quickly fill the container up with its roots and, if not repotted, may burst the pot with its expanding roots. Cycads in containers require watering every other day during summer, particularly during hot and windy weather, and must never be allowed to dry out completely. It is important that the growing medium be kept moist, but the excess water must be allowed to drain away to prevent rotting.
Propagation is by offsets and suckers. Encephalartos woodii does not go completely dormant, but growth does slow down during winter. Suckers are best removed in early spring, with a clean sharp spade or a knife. They should be larger than 100 mm in diameter; the larger the sucker the better its chance of survival away from its parent. Treat all cut surfaces, on the parent and the sucker, with flowers of sulphur to prevent fungal infection. Store the sucker in a cool dry place for about three weeks to allow the wound to seal. Before planting, dust the wound with a rooting hormone to stimulate the development of roots. Keep moist and in light shade until it produces new leaves, whereafter a weekly feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser during summer is recommended.
There being no female plant, seed is out of the question, but there are a few projects underway to remedy the situation. There is still the hope that a female plant is in the Ngoye forest somewhere and expeditions in that area always keep a look out for one.
The most promising project is the crossing of Encephalartos woodii with its closest relative Encephalartos natalensis, and crossing the offspring with Encephalartos woodii again with the result that each successive generation is more and more Encephalartos woodii.
There is also the remote possibility that a spontaneous sex change will occur in one of the male plants. Sex reversal has been observed in a few cases involving other species and once the process is more fully understood, it could be induced in an Encephalartos woodii plant.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. woodii |
| Conservation Status: |
E. aplanatus (Vorster's Cycad)
“Encephalartos aplanatus is a shade-loving cycad that closely resembles E. villosus. The leaflets of E. aplanatus, however, tend to be wider than those of E. villosus and the two species are also geographically separated. It occurs naturally in the north-eastern part of Swaziland in the shade of deciduous trees, in fairly dry ravine forest. Only one colony is known to exist. E. aplanatus is easy to grow but is not common in cultivation.
This species usually has a single subterranean stem with an exposed apex. Unlike E. villosus, E. aplanatus does not sucker. It usually produces 2 to 8 erect, arching leaves up to 3.5 m long which sag horizontally with age. Leaves have a petiole up to 200 mm long. The lower rachis is covered with a whitish indumentum. Mature leaves are dark green and glossy, the leaflets twisted and undulating. The leaflets are directed towards the apex, and opposing leaflets are at 180 degrees to each other. Lower, proximal leaflets progressively decrease in size, finally reduced to prickles. Median pinnae are up to 300 mm long, 40 mm wide, narrowly ovate, tapering to an acute tip with both margins sparsely dentate, very rarely entire.
Male plants produce up to three cones, green when young, turning yellow when mature, up to 650 mm long and 80 to 100 mm in diameter, with a peduncle up to 220 mm long. Pollen is shed from the smooth, hairless microsporophylls in mid autumn.
Female plants produce one to two cones up to 400 mm long and 120 mm in diameter. Peduncles are short and stout and up to 60 mm long. The exposed faces of the megasporophylls are flat, smooth and hairless, with indistinct facets armed with sharp abaxial ridges. Female cones appear in mid-summer (January) and disintegrate in early to mid-spring. Seeds are ellipsoid, about 25 mm long and 13 mm to 15 mm in diameter. The sarcotesta is bright red.
Cultivation:
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| shade | dark green | low watering | fast growth | frost-sensitive | common |
Encephalartos aplanatus is easily grown from seed. Cycad seeds are toxic to humans; one should therefore use gloves when handling or cleaning them.
Hand-pollination is necessary to ensure viable seed from plants in cultivation. Pollen can be collected as soon as it starts shedding. Male cones are ready to be harvested when a slight tapping of the cone sheds pollen. Pollen should be stored at -15°C for best results. The scales of the female cones have to be closely monitored as the window of their opening is variable from plant to plant and only lasts from three days to two weeks. Wet hand-pollination, using pollen in distilled water administered by a syringe, can give a good pollination rate.
After female cones have been collected, the seed is left to mature for a year before sowing at the beginning of summer. For best results, seed is sown in river sand on a heated bench at 24-28°C. Germination usually starts about three weeks after sowing, but may take longer. E. aplanatus is relatively fast-growing and easy to transplant.”
Cycads for sale at Baobab Wholesaler
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. aplanatus |
| Conservation Status: |
E. relictus (Parlota Cycad)
“Encephalartos relictus was discovered in 1971 by J. J. P. du Preez on the eastern border of Swaziland near Mozambique. There was only one plant. Du Preez relocated the plant to his farm called Muti Muti, on the eastern slopes of the Lebombo Mountains, bounded by the river Parlota, about 5 km from the border of Mozambique. The plant has never again been seen in the wild, despite repeated searches of the area.
E. relictus has a tall stem up to 2.5 m, 40-45 cm in diameter, with secondary drums originating from baseline suckers. The leaves are pinnate and bluish-green in colour. They are 1-2 m long, supported by a stalk about 15 cm long, and composed of numerous pairs of leathery leaflets, arranged on the spine at an angle of about 40°, up to 20-25 cm long.
There are only known male specimens, which have from 1 to 3 cones, about 20-24 cm long and 12-15 cm wide, greenish-yellow colour.
Cultivation:
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| semi-shade | blue-green | low watering | slow growth | frost-resistant | unobtainable |
Encephalartos relictus is ‘evolutionarily extinct’. As there are only male plants in existence, they can never propogate naturally. It is known that JJP du Preez gave offshoots of specimens to several of his friends, and that would be the only way to propogate the species.”
Cycads for sale at Baobab Wholesaler
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. relictus |
| Conservation Status: |
E. umbeluziensis (Umbeluzi Cycad)
“Encephalartos umbeluziensis occurs in a number of localities in Mozambique and Swaziland. The population is restricted to the valley of the Umbeluzi River. Occurs from 50 to 120 m. This species is found in the shade of low scrub woodland or in relatively dry savanna and bushveld. To the west the plants are found in valleys and further eastwards towards Mozambique they occur on the floodplains of rivers.
It is a small to medium-sized cycad with a subterranean, usually solitary stem with thick tuberous root up to diameter 25 cm in diameter that only branch when injured. The leaves (fronds) are few in a crown 1 to 2 m long with the rhachis straight, erect or sometimes spreading-recurved in shade. The leaf colour is a glossy bright.
Like other cycad species, E. umbeluziensis is dioecious, meaning that there are separate male and female plants, and the female produces seeds while the male produces pollen. But this species has proved to be able, as a result of injures or exposure to very low temperatures, to achieve a spontaneous change of sex. It was described in 1951 by South African botanists R. Allen Dyer.
Stem: Subterranean or sometimes with crown slightly exposed, usually unbranched with thick tuberous root, up to about 30 cm long and 20-25 cm across, with densely woolly interseriate bracts.
Leaves: 1-2 m long, suberect in open situations and only recurving in shade, flat (not keeled) in section (opposing leaflets inserted at 180° on rachis),woolly at first except on upper surface of leaflets, hairs falling with age. Petiole 10-30 cm long, suberect, woolly at first them glabrescent with no prickles. Rachis green, straight, stiff, not spirally twisted. Leaflets, light green becoming dark green, highly glossy and weakly discolorous when mature, reduced in size towards base but not to more than 1 or 2 prickles, leaf-base collar not present. Median leaflets lanceolate, 10-20 cm long, rarely up to 30 cm, 8-15 mm broad tapering gradually to the pungent apex not overlapping, not lobed, insertion angle horizontal, and margins usually with with 1-2 prickles on upper margin and 1-3 on lower margin.
Male cones: 1-3(-4) together, peduncuÂlate, narrowly ovoid to almost cylindric, tapering slightly to apex, up to about 30 cm long, 6-8 cm across green or olive-green turning to sulphur-yellow, glabrous . Peduncles 10-12 cm long.
Female cones: 1-3(-4) together, peduncuÂlate, olive-green turning to sulphur-yellow, glabrous 25-30 cm long, 12-15 cm across. Peduncles about 15 cm long and 3.5 cm across.
Seed: Oblong 3-3,5 cm long, about 2 cm thick, angled by compression, sarcotesta orange to scarlet.
Cultivation:
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| semi-shade | green | medium watering | fast growth | frost-sensitive | uncommon |
As a garden subject, Encephalartos umbeluziensis is medium-sized cycad that, despite the harsh environment in which it lives, does seem to like regular water and a little fertiliser.
This cycad is easy to grow but hard-to-find, as it does not occur in large numbers in any of its localities, but rather in small, isolated colonies. It is very adaptable in cultivation, provided it has a well-drained soil, frost-free conditions and regular watering during the dry months. It is an adaptable plant well suited to subtropical climates. It can be grown in full sun without its leaves burning. When young they can be grown as a container plant and eventually transplanted into the garden.
Growing rate: Seedlings planted out in raised beds and carefully mulched – so the soil could never dry out – grow much faster than the seedlings kept in pots.
Soils: It grows in all sorts of soil type, but prefer well drained, gritty soil with plenty of water, especially in dry weather.
Transplanting: This species transplants easily as a mature plant, although it is recommended to remove all of the leaves before doing so. This makes for easier handling and the plant will recover sooner due to less moisture loss.
Exposure: It thrives and grows best in partial shade. When grown in full sun, the leaves are a little shorter and less likely to be damaged by wind. The leaves of those plants grown in the shade can become stretched out and damage the caudex if they break off close to their base.
Watering: In cultivation prefers moist soil with good drainage for optimal growth. But it is eventually drought resistant. Irrigation systems can be detrimental to cycads, damaging the leaves and stems from the pressure of the water as well as over-watering.
Fertilization: Naturally undemanding for nutrients, it responds very well to regular applications of fertilizer. Growth can be greatly improved through the application of fertilizers. Most growers find that a fertilizer having an even NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) balance, and supplemental trace elements, provides a good start for cycads.
Wind tolerance: It prefers a sheltered position providing protection from the prevailing winds.
Hardiness: Frost sensitive. It is represented in botanical gardens and private collections worldwide where the tropical cycads can be grown. However it exhibits an unusual amount of cold tolerance by surviving in temperate areas as well.
Propagation: It may be propagated by seeds. They are among the easiest plants to germinate, but appears to need shade for successful germination.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. umbeluziensis |
| Conservation Status: |
E. manikensis (Gorongo Cycad)
“Encephalartos manikensis (Gorongo Cycad, Gorongowe Cycad) is a species of cycad that is native to Mozambique and Zimbabwe.This Central African cycad is medium sized with green leaves and a trunk height of one to two meters. Discovered in 1937 and described in 1938 by South African botanist Hamish Boyd Gilliland as a variety of the Kenyan species E. gratus, and raised by the same author to the status of species the year after.
There is variation is the appearance of the leaves and leaflets, leading to the thinking that there are actually many species in native habitat areas. Taxonomists have concluded that all these different species or varieties are part of what is known as the Manikensis Alliance. As a group, all are green, fast growing and never get huge.
Typical leaf length is about two meters. Stems can reach heights of two to three meters, though this would take a very long time. Stems tend to be solitary, but some plants produce basal suckers sparingly.
Cultivation:
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| semi-shade | dark green | medium watering | fast growth | frost-sensitive | common |
These plants do need some space. They have long leaves and stout trunks. Though they do not get very tall, they are showy enough that they can make a statement all on their own. They are well-suited to coastal sun, and partial inland sun. In desert areas, this plant requires shade or filtered light. They do better in soil that drains well, but are fairly water-tolerant.
They look great in tropical and water-wise gardens alike.”
Cycads for sale at Baobab Wholesaler
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. manikensis |
| Conservation Status: |
E. concinnus (Runde Cycad)
“E. concinnus is endemic to Zimbabwe and is an extremely hard-to-find cycad, as it does not occur in large numbers in any of its localities, but rather in small, isolated colonies. Described in 1969 by South African botanists R. Allen Dyer and Inez Verdoon, its name means well adjusted or elegant in Latin, due to the neat arrangement of the male cone scales.
This species grows in steep, rocky, misty valleys and woodlands. It is a medium- to large-sized cycad, and grows up to 4 metres in trunk height, often producing multiple trunks and multiple branches. Its straight leaves are dark green in color, with a distinct blue accent for those plants growing in the shade.
There are three known sub-populations, though one may have been extirpated. The plant is threatened by over-collection.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | dark green | medium watering | average growth | frost-sensitive | rare |
As a garden subject, Encephalartos concinnus is medium-to-large-sized cycad that despite the harsh environment it in which it lives does seem to like regular water and a little fertiliser. This cycad is easy to grow but hard-to-find, as it does not occur in large numbers in any of its localities, but rather in small, isolated colonies. Historically, the lack of access to this plant and its seeds have made it a very rare plant in cultivation. It tends to sucker well and is very adaptable in cultivation, provided it has a well-drained soil, frost-free conditions and regular watering during the dry months.
It is an adaptable plant well suited to subtropical climates. It can be grown in full sun without its leaves burning. When young they can be grown as a container plant and eventually transplanted into the ground”
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E. chimanimaniensis (Chimanimani Cycad)
“Encephalartos chimanimaniensis is a species of cycad that was endemic to the Chimanimani Mountain grasslands on the border between Zimbabwe and Mozambique, in areas of high rainfall (over 1,800 mm per annum), and at an altitude of about 1,000 metres above sea level. It is a member of the E. manikensis complex, a group of robust cycads.
It is a medium-sized cycad that grows to about 2 metres tall, with a stout erect trunk, occasionally clumping with bright green glossy leaves to about 1.5 metres long, with 1-6 spines on each margin, green cones and red seed-coats.
It was initially known as a rare and critically endangered species, only known from a single site in the catchment of a river. Recent field surveys have been unable to locate more individuals. The species appears to have been wiped out by collectors and is now considered extinct.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | green | medium watering | fast growth | frost-sensitive | rare |
Tends to sucker well and is very adaptable in cultivation. The seedlings grow rapidly, developing into an attractive garden plant with 1 m long leaves in four to five years. This is one of the fastest growing cycads and responds well to cultivation provided it has a well-drained soil, frost-free conditions and regular watering during the dry months.
It is an adaptable plant well suited to subtropical climates. It can be grown in full sun without its leaves burning. When young they can be grown as a container plant and eventually transplanted into the garden.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. chimanimaniensis |
| Conservation Status: |
E. gratus (Mulanje Cycad)
“Encephalartos gratus is a robust medium-large cycad that grows in the Mulanje mountains of Malawi and Mozambique. This species occurs on steep to precipitous slopes in gorges near streams, frequently in rock-crevices with no apparent soil. Usually subject to intense insolation, it nevertheless survives occasional brief submersion in heavy floods in areas with abundant rainfall (1000-1750 mm per year, mainly summery precipitation). Specimens are sometimes met with in savanna forest and less often in dense forest with rich soil. The temperatures regularly reach 35 to 38° C. In savanna the plants are usually defoliated by the annual grass-fires, but survive.
Female plants may remain leafless for twelve to eighteen months after ripening seeds, their stems continuing short and globose, hypogeal or only rising few dm above the surface. Male plants of approximately the same age may develop stems 1 m high. It has soft-textured foliage with dark salmon pink cones. This colouration is shared by only Encephalartos ferox, which is probably not closely related. On the other hand, the cylindrical female cones and successively emerging male cones of E. gratus may point to an affinity with Encephalartos bubalinus and allied species.
Cultivation:
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| full sun | dark green | medium watering | fast growth | frost-resistant | common |
As a garden subject, Encephalartos gratus is a vigorous fast-growing cycad, which handles wet or dry conditions, it responds well to cultivation provided it has a well-drained soil, frost-free conditions and regular watering during the dry months. When young they can be grown as a container plant and eventually transplanted into the garden. As a garden plant, this cycad will usually hold two or three crowns of leaves, all in good condition.
It prefers gritty or sandy soil with plenty of water, especially in dry weather. Encephalartos gratus requires excellent drainage. During the year feed the plant with a generous layer of compost.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. gratus |
| Conservation Status: |
E. munchii (Munch’s Cycad)
“Encephalartos munchii is restricted to a single colony on the Zembe Mountain in Mozambique. This species occurs on rocky granite grassland slopes and hills intermixed in evergreen forest and brush. The climate is hot and wet, but can be cool and dry during the winter months.
It is a small plant, to 1.0m tall, and 35cm in diameter. Numerous soapy-green 1.0-1.3m leaves, with a very slight v cross-section. The young leaves have a distinctly blue colour.
Cultivation:
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| semi-shade | blue-green | medium watering | fast growth | frost-sensitive | rare |
Encephalartos munchii requires light shade/full sun in the cool tropics/sub-tropics. Their natural habitat has very hot, wet summers, and cool, dry winters. Seedlings are easy to establish, but mature plants have proved virtually impossible to transplant.”
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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. munchii |
| Conservation Status: |
E. pterogonus (Toothed-cone Cycad)
“Encephalartos pterogonus was known from one small population located on the huge granite outcrop called Mount Mruwere (Monte Urueri) in the Manica province in central Mozambique (extent of occurrence is 35 km² and area of occupancy is less than 10 km²) and possibly from other adjacent hills. Most of the plants have been plundered by wealthy collectors and the species was declared extinct in its habitat by 1975, but some reports refer that there are at least 246 mature plants, 112 smaller plants and 300-400 seedlings that survived out of the initial 1,000 seedlings that were re-introduced. Another population on a nearby inselberg may also belong to E. pterogonus. The colony was never large.
It derives its name from the Latin pteron, meaning wing, and gonas, meaning seed – from the unusual wing-like structures or lobes which protrude from the lower edges of its pollen cone scales (microsporophylls) on male plants in habitat.
Closely related to the E.Manikensis, the stem of this specie can reach up to 1.5m in height with a diameter of 40cm, stems which are textured with large and small leaf-based scars. The light green leaves reach 1.5m long and are straight and held upwards but spread outwards with age. The leaflets gradually reduce in size towards the base of the rachis, culminating in a series of trifid or bifid prickles. Female cones are barrel-shaped and have a bright glossy green colour while the seeds are scarlet or orange red. This specie is suited to cool tropical and sub-tropical regions, will grow in full sun or partial shade and the frost tolerance is not high.
Cultivation:
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| semi-shade | green | medium watering | fast growth | frost-sensitive | rare |
Encephalartos pterogonus is a vigorous grower and does best in deep well-drained sandy loam in full sun. It responds to regular watering and fertilization. It dislikes frost. It is very difficult to get to cone. Tends to sucker well and is very adaptable in cultivation. The seedlings grow rapidly, developing into an attractive garden plant with 1 m long leaves in four to five years.
It is an adaptable plant well suited to subtropical climates. It can be grown in full sun without its leaves burning. Seedlings can be a little slow to get started for the first couple of years if they are grown in containers which do not allow room for the tap root to develop.
It grows in all sorts of soil type, but prefer well-drained, gritty soil with plenty of water, especially in dry weather. This species transplants easily as a mature plant, although it is recommended to remove all of the leaves before doing so. This makes for easier handling and the plant will recover sooner due to less moisture loss.”
Source / credit: https://africacycads.com/cycads.php
| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. pterogonus |
| Conservation Status: |
E. turneri (Turner’s Cycad)
“Encephalartos turneri is a species of cycad that is native to Mozambique and named after cycad enthusiast, Ian Turner in 1985. It is extremely rare in domestic gardens. It is a medium-sized cycad with trunks up to 4 metres. Leaves are 2 metres long and glossy green. Both male and female cones are yellow.
This species grows in a climate that is hot and dry. E. turneri grows on hills in grasslands and fragmented woods (primarily in the sun, but some are semi-protected). The soil is rocky and dry, plants can be found in rocky outcroppings and boulders. This species is fairly plentiful and is showing no signs of going extinct. This can be partially attributed to the remote locality and difficulty in accessing this plant in habitat.
Cultivation:
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| semi-shade | dark green | low watering | average growth | frost-sensitive | rare |
Encephalartos turneri can produce basal suckers, but does not make large clusters. In coastal in inland areas, this species does well in both full and partial sun. This species does require a soil that drains well.”
| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Zamiaceae |
| Genus: Encephalartos |
| Species: E. turneri |
| Conservation Status: |
Featured Cycad Products
E. aemulans
This cycad occurs between Louwsburg and Ngome in Northern KwaZulu-Natal.The habitat is short grassland growing on south-facing slopes in full sun. The stem can grow up to 3 metres tall with dark glossy-green leaves erect to spreading and 1.20- 1.45m long.
E. altensteinii
This Eastern Cape cycad grows along the east coast from the Busmans River in the south to as far north as the border of KwaZulu-Natal. It also occurs inland, up to 40km from the coast near Komga, Kei Road and King William’s Town. Vegetation varies from shade to full sun. Plants growing in shade will produce recurving leaves of 2-3m in length, while plants in full sun (typical) produce shorter, erect to gently recurving leaves. The leaves are mid-green in colour. These cycads may grow up to 4m tall.
E. caffer
This cycad occurs in the coastal districts of the Eastern Cape. The stem is subterranean, reaching approximately 40cm. It can be grown in full sun to semi-shade with leaves olive green to dark green, 40-90cm long. Two distinct leaf forms, the “ruffled” leaf form and the more typical “neater” – looking erect leaf form.
E. cerinus
This cycad currently grows in the Blyderivierspoort reserve – Mpumalanga, mostly in full sun on east and north-eastern facing cliffs. The bluish-green leaves are up to 1m long, with stems mostly subterranean reaching approximately 20 cm in height.
E. dolomiticus
This cycad grows on dolomite rock formations in the Northern Province Drakensberg range. The stem is well-developed and often suckering from the base. Leaves are strongly glaucous green to blue, 60 – 80cm long, with stems reaching 1.5m in length.
E. eugene-maraisii
This cycad is restricted to mountainous areas of the Waterberg- Limpopo, growing in sandstone hills and rocky ridges in full sun. The leaves are greyish green 1 – 1.5m long with stems up to 4m tall.
E. friderici-guilielmi
This cycad is found in the high altitude grasslands of Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Although it experiences harsh growing conditions in its natural habitat, it is very adaptable to different climatic conditions. A slow growing cycad with leaves just over 1m and stems up to 4m tall
E. heenanii
Found in the mountainous regions between Baberton and Swaziland border. The leaves are 1-1.3,m long with leaflet pairs characteristically reflexed from the rachis in a downward pointing V, dark green in colour. Mature plants may have as many as five stems up to 2.5m tall.
E. hirsutus
This cycad is known in only three localities in the Northern Province. They grow in hot, dry riverine valleys on south-eastern facing quartzite cliffs. The leaves are blue-grey, held erect to spreading with the apex recurving slightly, 1.1 – 1.2 m long. Stems are up to 4m tall.
E. horridus
E. horridus is found most commonly on ridges and slopes located in rocky soils, semi-arid parts of the Eastern Cape, between Port Elizabeth and Uitenhage. The silvery-blue leaves are up to 1m long and often sharply recurved towards the tip, looking stiff and spiny. The stems grow up to 1m tall.
E. humulis
This low growing cycad is the smallest of all the Encephalartos species and occurs in the mountainous districts of Machadodorp and Nelspruit where it grows in the grassy rock terrain on east and north-east facing slopes in full sun. The leaves are bluish- green, 30-50cm long with stems not exceeding 60cm.
E. laevifolius
This cycad has a distribution from KwaZulu-Natal and Mpumalanga to Limpopo Province. The leaves range from blue-grey to green with stems up to 4m tall. A slow growing cycad favouring sunny positions.