ENCEPHALARTOS LONGIFOLIUS

Discovered in the late 1770’s, this was one of the first fully described species of Encephalartos. It’s native to the Eastern Cape region of South Africa. In a century or two, trunks can reach up over fifteen feet and divide overhead. Suckers are produced at the base. Leaves are strongly curved downwards in a very attractive manner. Leaf length is three to six feet. Leaf color is variable. They can be anywhere from a dark olive green to a brilliant blue. Leaves are keeled and leaflets overlap and stack. In my opinion, this is one of the most beautiful cycads in the world. Yes, it can get tall, but long after an average person’s life span. It likes coastal sun and partial sun in the desert. Cold hardiness is down to the very low 20’s F.

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