OTHER CYCAD FEATURES
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By Wayne Atkinson
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C/O Wikipedia Commons
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ENCEPHALARTOS AEMULANS
Locality: This species is endemic to
KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa. Specifically it is
come from one population in the Vryheid district, which it
shares with a cultivar of Encephalartos natalensis (Encephalartos
natalensis var. Vryheid). The climate is hot and can
get cold during the winters. Annual precipitation is
generally low. It grows in sandstone cliffs and rocky
grasslands. Larger specimens are found in full sun, where
smaller specimens can be in shade. (Donaldson, J.S. 2010.
Encephalartos aemulans)
Plant Size: This is a medium sized
species. The leaves on this species get about a meter and
a half. Stems can reach a height of approximately three
meters over a very long time. This species does produce
basal suckers, typically moderately.
Plant Description: The name 'aemulans'
comes from the Latin word meaning rivaling, which in reference
to the similarity in size between the male and female cones.
(The Cycads, Whitelock & Benadom) This
species bears some resemblance to E. natalensis and
E. lebomboensis, both in leaf form/characteristics and
stems. The leaves are green and are armed both on the
leaflets and petioles. As plants mature the leaflets are
not as heavily armed as younger specimens. E. aemulans is
a moderate grower, but will flush regularly each year.
Female cones are a orange/brown color with orange/brown wool or
tomentum. The males very similar in appearance to their
female counterpart.
Culture: For coastal and inland areas,
this species wants to be in sun. For desert areas, this
species should be in partial sun or filtered light. The
soil should drain well for this species.
Landscape Usage: This is a great
mid-sized plant. It is a good grower and can work in
tropical and low water gardens alike! I would give the
species some room as the do get good sized, and would place them
in the mid-range of a planting (spaced from walkways and
seating).
Availability: We
have a reasonable supply of this species from smaller to large,
coning sized boxed specimens. Remember please that this is
a very rare species and is not easy to locate. Mail order
is possible on smaller sizes.
Pricing:
Encephalartos aemulans is a
rare South African cycad. Prices for this species are a
bit more than other green species. See more information on pricing below.
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