Encephalartos trispinosus

Encephalartos trispinosus is also known as the Bushman's River Cycad. It is one of the most famous group of blue cycads from South Africa.

Encephalartos trispinosus is a small-to-medium-sized cycad, growing to 3+ feet in trunk height, often clumping with up to 6 stems. Its blue-green, pointy, erect leaves are quite stunning in a garden setting. In the garden, it prefers a sunny location in very well drained soil. It is frost tolerant.

Encephalartos trispinosus grows in open rocky areas, or light forest, near Bushman’s River, and Fish River of the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa.

Encephalartos trispinosus was originally thought to be a variety of Encephalartos horridus, Encephalartos horridus var. trispinosus, until it was elevated to species status by Dyer in 1965. Encephalartos trispinosus differs from Encephalartos horridus in its narrower leaflets, which are transversely concave, compared to those of Encephalartos horridus, which are convex and wider. Also, cones of Encephalartos trispinosus are a distinct blue-green color, later becoming yellowish green.