ENCEPHALARTOS ALTENSTEINII

THE EASTERN CAPE CYCAD

by Phil & Jesse Bergman

A Brief Introduction of the Species

Introduction

This is a brief introduction of this medium to large size green South African cycad species. It is a durable cycad that does quite well in Southern California. It is sun loving and fairly cold hardy.

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ENCEPHALARTOS ALTENSTEINII

Description: Medium to large green cycad from the Eastern Cape region of the Republic of South Africa. It was named after a Prussian statesman and is listed a a threatened cycad species.

Plant Size: Mature height after many decades can reach up to over sixteen feet. Leaf length is six feet with trunk diameter of up to 18 to 24 inches.

Other Characteristics: Leaflets have spines, especially when young. The base of the leaf stems are usually devoid of prickles or spines. Leaf color is a shiny green.

Culture: Along the coast this species tolerates full sun or part day sun. It easily withstands a freeze and has an absolute cold tolerance down to about 22 degrees F. It prefers good draining soil - sitting in wet and boggy soil is bad for this species and most cycads. It can easily be grown on the patio if given adequate light. Desert areas should consider only a few hours of direct desert sun.

Landscape Usage: It is best to give this species plenty of room in the garden. It makes a spectacular specimen plant. Plants can form suckering offsets but usually have one main primary stem. In bright sun the leaves may not be as long as in lesser sun. Plants usually throw new leaves once a year during the growing season.

Availability: We typically can offer sizes from seedlings or small plants up to coning sized specimens. At any given time we should have at least a hundred of this species available. The sizes from bands up to 15g can be easily mail ordered. Larger plants can be delivered by truck.

Pricing: Encephalartos altensteinii is a rare species but for a South African species is affordable. Examples of prices are listed below.

Click to see over a Dozen Private Cycad Collection new to Jungle Music

Directions to Our Nursery

Article on Jungle Music and its Origins

Read Much More - Home Page

Species		Band$	1G $	2G $	3-5G $	TreePot $	CitrusPot $	7G $	15G $	20G $	25G $	Box $
Encephalartos altensteinii		$ 55+		$ 75+	$ 150+		$ 150+	$ 200+	$ 350+	$450+	inquire	inquire

Note: Larger sizes may be available than shown above

Note: All Cycads are Sold by Caudex Size, Not Container Size.
For example, a given pot size could have a smaller or very large plant in the same size pot.
This is why there are "+" signs next to prices.
But, prices above will give you an estimate of beginning prices of each size.

RETURN TO LIST OF ENCEPHALARTOS SPECIES

Email:	phil.bergman@junglemusic.net
Website:	www.junglemusic.net
Nursery Location:	450 Ocean View Ave., Encinitas, CA 92024
Nursery Phone:	619 291 4605
Nursery Hours:	Monday - Saturday 9AM to 4PM
Directions to Nursery:	Freeway Close. Take Freeway 5 to Encinitas (10 minutes south of Oceanside, 30 minutes north of San Diego). Exit Leucadia Blvd West (toward ocean). Immediate left on Orpheus Ave, left on Union St, Right on Ocean View Ave to Nursery, which is at 450 Ocean View Ave

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Send mail to phil.bergman@junglemusic.net only with inquiries about Jungle Music nursery stock or mail order. Also see our free Palm Tree Help &Cycad Help Articles