Encephalartos altensteinii
Prickly Cycad
Genus: Encephalartos · Family: Zamiaceae
65· Rare
About
One of the oldest known pot plants - specimen at Kew dates to 1775. Large bright green arching leaves with prickly leaflets. Can grow very tall.
Native Regions
South Africa, Eastern Cape
Height Range
4-7m
Growth Form
Single tall trunk
CITES Listing
Appendix I
Habitat & Distribution
Habitat Type
Coastal and valley bushveld
Origin & Distribution
South Africa (Eastern Cape coast)
Key Characteristics
- Large bright green arching leaves
- prickly leaflets
- very long-lived
Distinct Features
- Oldest pot plant at Kew (1775)
- can exceed 200 years
- tolerates light frost
References
Sources: Kew Gardens; SANBI
Image Source: Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA)
Community Photos