Encephalartos friderici guilielmi

Encephalartos friderici-guilielmi is an attractive, small-to-medium-sized cycad with straight blue-green leaves and fine leaflets. Its leaves grow to 3-4 feet long. Leaflets grow to 4 inches long, are closely spaced with a point at the tip.

Encephalartos friderici-guilielmi grows on exposed slopes in the mountains of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa--grassland with hot dry summers and cold winters with frost and snow. Rainfall averages 15-20 inches per year. In spite of this harsh habitat, it adapts well to different climates, if there is sufficient sun. Once established, it grows vigorously, cultivates easily and develops a robust 10-20 inch diameter caudex over time.

Encephalartos friderici-guilielmi does well as a container plant or grown as a feature garden plant, particularly if surrounded by low-growing succulents. It benefits from full sun and good drainage in a garden, and does not like deep shade. Adult plants of Encephalartos friderici-guilielmi can can develop multiple stems and will sucker freely from their base. The caudex crown is covered in loose brown hair, particularly when the plant produces new leaves and cones. Please click here to see a larger detailed image of this plant.