Encephalartos altensteinii Seedlings

To see larger size plants of this species, please click on the following link: Larger Plants of this Species
This is a robust - tall-growing (up to 16+ feet tall - 10-14 inches in diameter) species with deep green glossy leaves. Its leaflets form a V along the petiole. Suckers are formed from the base. It is named for Altenstein - a 19th century German statesman and patron of science.

It is native to the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa - and is - similar in form to the group including E. natalensis - E. lebomboensis and E. woodii. E. altensteinii is distinguished within this group by its straight rachis - broad - well-spaced leaflets with 1-3 prickles on each margin and basal leaflets not reducing to spines - leaving 6-8 inches of bare petiole. It also lacks woolly tomentum in the crown around newly emerging leaves.

E. altensteinii is easily grown and transplants readily even when mature. Plants can adapt to full sun but also do well in the shade. Its soil should be well drained. It will tolerate light to moderate frost.