ENCEPHALARTOS GRATUS

This species is endemic to southern Malawi and Mozambique. Encephalartos gratus is a medium sized cycad. Leaves can grow in excess of two to two and a half meters, depending on exposure. Stems are fat and can reach heights of three meters over a very long time. This species can produce basal suckers, but does so sparingly. This species has many favorable characteristics. It is fast growing, has a very tropical crown of leaves and is very showy! Leaflets and petioles are armed, but the spines are fairly flexible and soft. This cycad is similar in appearance to other Central African varieties, such as E. hildebrandtii, but is easier to grow than many of them. In coastal areas, this species does well in sun or partial sun. For inland areas partial sun or filtered light is better. In desert areas, this species need filtered light or shade. This species is somewhat water tolerant and likes a good draining top soil. Estimates of cold hardiness is down into the mid-twenties F.

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