OTHER CYCAD FEATURES
|
By Suanpom
This and next two photos c/o CYKASY
|
ENCEPHALARTOS
MACKENZIEI
Locality: This species is endemic
to a remote part of southern Sudan and the northern part
of Uganda. It is fairly
new to cultivation and has not been a named species for
long (named in 2009). Before it was described,
this species was know as "Encephalartos species
Sudan". There have been very few expeditions
to this plants' locality and few/no studies have been
done to determine its conservation. At this point
the plant is considered threatened, but reports of
poaching may indicate that the plant is more threatened
than believed. (Donaldson, J.S. 2010. Encephalartos
mackenziei) This species occurs in rocky
hills and woodlands. The climate is hot and dry,
but does get precipitation during the wet season in
summer.
Plant Size: This is a
medium to large sized plant. Leaves can reach
almost two meters in length (slightly shorter), and
stems on very old specimens can get up to three and a
half meters. This species produces suckers freely
and can become quite large and full over time.
Other Characteristics: The
name 'mackenziei' was named in honor of Paul Mackenzie
(well know cycad enthusiast and explorer in Nairobi).
(The Cycads, Whitelock & Benadom) This
species is similar in some ways to Encephalartos
septentrionalis especially in younger plants, but
differs in its ultimate size and in the length and width
of its leaflets. The leaflets of this species are
wide and moderately armed, and have a light coating of
tomentum, which is more thick on new leaves. The
petioles are wooly and are armed with spines and
prickles. As with other northern (Central African)
species with thin leaflet tissue, E. mackenziei
is sensitive to cold. It is hardier than some
species, but certainly not as hardy as the more robust
Central African species and even less so to South
African species of Encephalartos. This
species has proven to be a moderate to slow growing
plant in cultivation. It is quite attractive and
can be grown in a subtropical climate (though it may
need some protection in the winter). The both male
and female cones are green when they emerge, becoming an
olive green/brown color as they mature.
Culture: In coastal and inland
areas, this species should be in partial sun or filtered
light. This may not be an easy plant to attempt in
most desert areas. If you were going to try, this
species would need to be in the shade or filtered light
under protection. The species need s a soil that
drains well.
Landscape Usage:
This is a beautiful plant and can really add not
only beauty to you garden, but rarity. It will
need some protection, so I do not recommend it for
gardens that are new or for gardens with extreme
weather.
Availability: We,
on occasion, have this species for sale. It is
super rare and hard to find. Presently we may only
have a few available. 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 mackenzei is a very
rare species and tends to be quite expensive for a green leafed
species.
|
%20(Medium).JPG)
%2015g%203.5%20inch%20(Small).JPG)
|
|
%20(480x640).jpg)
%20(Custom)%20(2).JPG)
%20(Custom).JPG)
%20(Custom).JPG)
%20(480x640).jpg)
