ENCEPHALARTOS PRINCEPS

This species is from the Great Kei River, in the Eastern Cape of South Africa. The mature leaf length on this species is a meter or less. Stem heights in cultivation rarely exceed one to one and a half meters. Though, plants in the wild can reach heights of five meters after many centuries. This species can be solitary, but it is more common to see this species produce basal suckers to a greater or lesser extent. One of the most striking characteristics of this plant is its lovely color (which can vary from a powdery silver to a turquoise blue). This plant can be confused with E. lehmannii, but has a few differences. The cones, stem size and angle of attachment are all different between these two species. You can use these traits to help identify the difference. This plant is it is an excellent grower, and is mostly unarmed. The Female cones on this species are green and the male cones are a greenish/yellow and brown. In coastal and inland areas, this species wants to be grown in sun. For desert areas, I recommend partial sun or filtered light. E. princeps needs a soil that is quick draining and does not like to stay excessively wet. Note that enthusiasts always have to pay more for this sought after species.

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