ENCEPHALARTOS LAURENTIANUS LONG LEAFED & LARGE CENTRAL AFRICAN GREEN CYCAD

This species is endemic to the Kasongo-Linda districts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The climate is quite hot and humid. This is one of the largest cycads on the planet, and has longer leaves than any other species of known cycad. Leaves can grow in excess of seven meters and their fat stems can grow a staggering height of over fifteen meters (over hundreds of years). Before this plant ever makes a foot of trunk, leaves will streak into the air, dwarfing much around them. Old specimens can easily be mistaken for palms as they are so large and tropical looking! In all areas, this species requites filtered light or shade. In the tropics or exceptionally humid areas, you can get away with growing this species in sun. It is not very frost tolerant (truly a tropical species of Encephalartos) but has seen temperatures of about 30 degrees at our nursery. The specimen photo is c/o Tenerife Botanical Garden.

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