OTHER CYCAD FEATURES
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This and two photos to right by AJC, PACSOA
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ENCEPHALARTOS
LAEVIFOLIUS
Locality: This species is endemic
to the KwaZulu-Natal, Limpopo Province, Mpumalanga
regions of South Africa and along the borders of
Swaziland. Populations are small, sporadically
distributed and are far apart. Regardless of its
wide distribution, this species is still endangered with
populations ever shrinking and growing further apart.
The climate is hot and dry and is subject to periodic
fires. The plant grows in in rocky outcroppings
and soil in grassland and brush.
Plant Size:
This is a small to medium sized species. Leaves on
this species are approximately one meter in length.
Stems can reach up to three and a half meters over many
centuries. This species does sucker (generally not
very much) but can also be solitary.
Other Characteristics:
The name 'laevifolius' cones from the Latin words
meaning "smooth and leaf" which are in reference to its
smooth, hairless leaves. This species is similar
in appearance to Encephalartos friderici-guilielmi,
Encephalartos lanatus, Encephalartos
humilis and Encephalartos ghellinckii,
which are all thin leaflet-type Encephalartos.
There are two cultivars of this species, one of which is
slightly larger and more blue in color, where the other
is more green and is smaller. This is a very slow
growing species and can be finicky if its not in the
right spot. The leaflets and petiole are unarmed,
and have a lovely blue/green color. The dorsal
potion of the leaflet is a blue or blue/green color to a
green color, where the lower (proximal) side of the
leaflet is a lighter shade of green. Both male and
female cones are covered in a fine tomentum which can
vary in color from a whitish (one the males) to
yellow/light-brown color (one the females).
Culture: In
coastal and inland areas, this plant does well in full
to partial sun. In desert areas, this plant is
suited for filtered light or shade. This species
has to have soil that drains well, and does not tolerate
excessive moisture around the roots.
Landscape Usage:
This species is spectacular when grown well.
It should be toward the front of any planting where it
can bee seen and appreciated. I would suggest
mounding when planting this species to avoid any issues
with moisture and rot.
Availability: From
time to time we are able to offer a few plants of this
species. But, it's always in short supply.
Rarely we get in larger specimen plants. Contact us
regarding the size you seek and we'll check on our
inventory or let you know when we get in one like you
want.
Pricing:
Encephalartos laevifolius is an extremely
rare species, so prices tend to be expensive.
Examples of prices are listed below.
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This and photo above by AJC |
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