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| Category: Cycad |
| Family: Cycadaceae (Cycads) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: NA |
| Bloomtime: Infrequent |
| Height: 4-8 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 30-32° F |
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Encephalartos lehmannii (Karoo Cycad) - A clump forming medium-sized evergreen cycad with a trunk that can grow 4-6 feet tall and 1 1/2 feet across but is usually seen in cultivation as a plant that, overall, is 4-5 feet tall. The leaves are slightly recurved at the tip. The 3-6 inch long leaflets are blue-gray when young, and darken greener with age. It has low water needs and is hardy to 25-30 degrees F. Its native habitat is the semi-arid sandstone slopes of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa where it experiences very hot and dry conditions in summer months and cold and wet conditions in winter. Frosts are common in this area. This is one of the most frost hardy of the Encephalartos that we grow. A large plant in an exposed site in our garden has withstood 26° F without any damage. In cultivation this plant is most easily confused with E. princeps which differs in having its leaflets in the same plane: Opposing E. lehmannii leaflets can be folded together flat while E. princeps leaves come together side to side.
The information on this page is based on our research that has been conducted in our nursery library and from online sources as well as from observations made of this plant as it grows in the nursery, in the nursery's garden, and in other gardens where it has been observed. We also incorporate comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have additional information, particularly if this information is contrary to what we have written or includes additional cultural tips that might aid others in growing Encephalartos lehmannii.
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