CYCAS BIFIDA AKA CYCAS MULTIFRONDIS

This interesting and fairly cold hardy Cycas species is native to southern China and Viet Nam. It has long upright green leaves. But, this is not a bifurcating leaflet stem species (i.e. Cycas multipinata or debaoensis ). Rather, it puts out two leaflets off a single stem. Or, single leaflets that seem to split into two leaflets. Historically, this is one of the species that started out being called “Cycas micholitzii“. Later it was called Cycas multifrondis. But, Cycas bifida is now the correct taxonomic name. Leaves are upright and long. Expect somewhere in the eight to ten foot length when mature. It is rarely seen for sale and is hard to find. Plants usually just carry three or four leaves and have a small caudex, not over about 10 inches, mostly subterranean. It prefers filtered light or morning sun. Cold hardiness is definitely down to the low 20’s F.

The plant on Special is in a 5 gallon container. There are three caudexes. The primary caudex has no leaves. The other two, 2 and 3 inches, are holding leaves. Age is at least 12 years. This plant can be mail ordered. It’s the last one we have of this species. The garden photo is c/o China Gardening Nursery. I must emphasize that this is a super rare species and near impossible to find.

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