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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.
The information on this page is based on our research conducted in our nursery library, from online sources, as well as from observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery containers, in the nursery's garden and in other gardens where we have observed it. We will also incorporate comments received from others and welcome 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 would aid others in growing Encephalartos senticosus.
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