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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 displayed on this page is based on research conducted about this plant in our library and from reliable online sources. We also consider observations that we have made of it growing in the nursery's garden and in other gardens, as well how it has performed in our crops out in the nursery field. We will incorporate comments that we receive from others as well, and welcome hear from anyone who may have additional information, particularly if they have knowledge of cultural information we do not mention that would aid others in growing Encephalartos altensteinii.
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