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| Category: Cycad |
| Family: Cycadaceae (Cycads) |
| Origin: South Africa (Africa) |
| Evergreen: Yes |
| Bloomtime: Infrequent |
| Synonyms: [E. lebomboensis] |
| Height: 8-12 feet |
| Exposure: Full Sun |
| Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs |
| Winter Hardiness: 30-32° F |
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Encephalartos senticosus (Lebombo Cycad) - A medium-sized to large evergreen cycad with an erect trunk to 8 to 12 feet tall, growing singly or in clumps of up to eight stems, with numerous suckers from the base and occasional offsets on the trunks. It thrives in full sun with low water needs. It is not tolerant of much frost and should only be considered hardy to 30 -32 degrees F. We nearly lost this plant in a cold snap in November when temperatures dipped a couple degrees below freezing and "melted" this cycad's new leaves which had emerged in October. Very closely related to E. natalensis. Its native habitat is open rocky areas of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. The name Encephalartos lebomboensis has long been applied to this plant but this species was spilt up in 1996. Most plants in cultivation under the name Encephalartos lebomboensis are actually Encephalartos senticosus. The true Encephalartos lebomboensis grows to the west of the range of Encephalartos senticosus (still within the Lebombo mountain range). It is a smaller plant with narrower leaflets.
This description is based on research and observations of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in our nursery garden and in other gardens that we visit. We also incorporate comments received and appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have any additional information about this plant, particularly if they disagree with what we have written or if they have additional cultural tips that would aid others in growing Encephalartos senticosus.
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