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| Category: Cycad |
| Family: Cycadaceae (Cycads) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Flower Color: NA |
| Bloomtime: Infrequent |
| Height: 10-16 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Summer Dry: Yes |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 30-32° F |
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Encephalartos altensteinii (Prickly Cycad, Bread Tree) - This evergreen cycad from moist areas of South Africa is extremely slow growing. The rigid, palm-like fronds are about 6 feet long, with numerous stiff, spiny-toothed leaflets. It does best in the full sun and has low water needs. It will eventually reach 10 to 16 feet tall (very old plant) and is more likely to be 3 to 4 feet tall in the garden after many years. Listed by South African sources as a frost tender species but we have found it tolerant of light frosts and has withstood short duration freezing temperatures of 26° F in our garden. In its native habitat it is found in coastal areas of the Eastern Cape Province through to the southern border of Natal growing in full sun or in the heavy shade under the canopy of the forest.
The information on this page is based on our library and online research as well as observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery garden and in other gardens that we have visited. We have also incorporated comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have some additional information, in particular if this information is contrary to what we have written or includes additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Encephalartos altensteinii.
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