OTHER CYCAD FEATURES
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First three photos below taken in habitat
in Uganda by Jan Andersson
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Photo c/o Wikipedia
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ENCEPHALARTOS
EQUATORIALIS
Locality: This species is endemic
to Thurston Bay and Lake Victoria in Uganda. The
plant grows in severely degrades rainforest (degradation
of habitat can be attributed to fire, agriculture and
poaching). This species is critically endangered
(only found within two small populations) because of
habitat loss and, to some extent, poaching.
Another obstacle for this species is "...No young plants
or seedlings were seen and this could indicate that the
pollinator could be extinct or that fires occur too
frequently." (Donaldson, J.S. 2010.
Encephalartos equatorialis) Another factor
which would explain the lack of seedlings is that
populations were reported to be primarily male.
This species grows on granite hills, rocky slopes and
valleys. the climate is hot and receive most of
its precipitation during the summer.
Plant Size: This is a large
species. Leaves can grow three to three and a half
meters. The large trunks can get over four meters
with enough time. This species ranges from being
solitary to suckering profusely.
Other Characteristics: The
name 'equatorialis' refers to this species'
proximity to the equator. This species does bear
some similarities to both Encephalartos whitelockii
and Encephalartos ituriensis. All three
of these species make very large green cycads.
Each tend to bear upright crowns of leaves and and
heavily armed. A few key differences that set this
species apart are: it has shorter, thicker leaflets than
either E. whitelockii or E. ituriensis.
Another distinguishing characteristic is that this plant
is it is does not grow as quickly as the other species.
It is slower, but eventually makes a more robust plant
than either of the other two. Also, the leaflets
are more stiff and have a more distinctive keel.
The final difference is that both the male and female
cones are blue with undertones of yellow (which is
unique in comparison to the other two species).
Culture: In coastal and inland
areas, this species does well in full to partial sun.
In desert areas, this species needs to be in filtered
light or shade. This species needs a soil that
drains well, and it is recommended that you mound this
plant in the ground.
Landscape Usage:
This is a stunning plant. The make huge shows
and tend to carry very full crowns. This species
is not as vigorous as Encephalartos
whitelockii and Encephalartos ituriensis
but is a very good grower. This plant will need to
be toward the back of a planting and will require room
as they get quite large with time.
Availability: We,
on occasion, have this species for sale. It is
super rare and hard to find. Presently we may only
have a single plant for sale if we search for it.
These are always is super short supply. Seeds
have not been available lately. Give us a a call
or email about the size you seek.
Pricing:
Encephalartos equatorialis is a very
rare species and tends to be quite expensive for a green leafed
species.
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