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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 provided on this page is based on research we have conducted about this plant in our nursery's library, from what we have found about it on reliable online sources, as well as from observations in our nursery of crops of this plant as well as of plants growing in the nursery's garden and those in other gardens. We will also incorporate comments received from others and welcome getting feedback from anyone who may have additional information, particularly if it includes cultural information that would aid others in growing Encephalartos altensteinii. |
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