the genus
ENCEPHALARTOS

From the Greek "en", in, "cephale", head, and "artos", bread, in reference to the starchy, edible trunks common to some species of the genus.

Family: Zamiaceae
Subfamily: Encephalartoideae
Tribe: Encephalarteae
Subtribe: Encephalartinae

The subtribe includes only the single genus Encephalartos.

This is a very large genus of about 50 species of shrubby cycads native largely to southern Africa, but with species also occuring in eastern and central Africa. Most Encephalartos varieties produce suckers from the base along the trunks and slowly develop into spectacular ornamentals with handsome crowns of pinnate, often prickly fronds. The leaves vary from rich green tones to silvery grays. The female cones of some species such as Encephalartos ferox burst when ripe to offer the added ornament of glossy red seeds. Encephalartos species from tropical Africa require near frost–free conditions; species from the winter rainfall areas of South Africa prefer cool temperate or Mediterranean climates; varieties from the mountains of Natal and the Transvaal adapt to hot summer climates and may tolerate hard frosts.

Culture: Encephalartos species accept sun or shade and will tolerate drought. Good drainage is essential.

Encephalartos arenarius
Cold Tolerance: 28F (-2C) USDA Zones: 10-11

Typical Height: 6'-8' Growth Rate: Slow
Habit: Solitary

Status: Occasionally Available
Available Range: 7-25gal.

Encephalartos hildebrandtii
Cold Tolerance: 24F (-5C) USDA Zones: 9b-11

Typical Height: 1'-20' Growth Rate: Slow
Habit: Solitary

Status: In Stock
Available Range: 7-45gal.

Encephalartos lehmannii
Cold Tolerance: 20F (-7C) USDA Zones: 9-11

Typical Height: 1'-5' Growth Rate: Slow
Habit: Clustering

Status: In Stock
Available Range: 7-65gal.

Encephalartos natalensis
Common Name: Natal Cycad
Cold Tolerance: 23F (-5C) USDA Zones: 9b-11

Typical Height: 10'-13' Growth Rate: Slow
Habit: Solitary

Status: On Request
Available Range: 1-3gal.

Othe Species of Encephalartos:
E. friderici - guilielmi, E. horridus (in stock)
E. trispinosus (in stock 3-45gal.)

E. caffer, E. eugene - maraisii, E. ghellinckii, E. lanatus, E. latifrons, E. lebomboensis, E. senticosus (occasionally available)

E. altensteinii, E. cycadifolius, E. longifolius (on request)

E. hirsutus, E. princeps, E. tegulaneus, E. transvenosus, E. woodii (looking for)