Encephalartos altensteinii: Eastern Cape Giant Cycad

Encephalartos altenstenii is a robust, tall-growing species, with deep green glossy leaves growing to 6+ feet long and leaflets held in a V-shape. Its trunk can grow to over 15 feet tall over hundreds of years, at about one inch per year. Encephalartos altensteinii is also known as the Eastern Cape Giant, it is distinguished from the other large green species in its group by its relatively straight leaves, broad, well-spaced leaflets with very few spines, and basal leaflets not reducing to spines.

Encephalartos altensteinii is distributed in coastal areas of the Eastern Cape Province thru to the southern border of KwaZulu-Natal, in South Africa. It grows in exposed positions through to heavily forested areas. It does best in well drained soil in full sun, preferring part day shade in dry climates. It is relatively frost-tolerant.