OTHER CYCAD FEATURES
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VERY FEW WORLDWIDE PHOTOGRAPHS OF THIS SPECIES ARE AVAILABLE
Photo c/o plantsinstock.co.za
Leaf detail - by cykasy
Female cone - by Samuel Ojelel
Flushing new leaves - by pictarm.org
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ENCEPHALARTOS
MACROSTROBILUS
Locality: This species is endemic
to the Madi area of northwestern Uganda. The
climate is hot and humid and can get heavily summer
rains. It can be found growing on rocky/sandy
slopes beneath the shade of trees and brush.
Increased agriculture, fires and grazing have have
degraded this species' habitat. The plant is now
considered endangered. (Donaldson, J.S. 2010.
Encephalartos macrostrobilus)
Plant Size: This is a medium
sized species. Leaves can range in length from
about a meter and a half to a little over two meter in
large specimens. The stem can get approximately
two and a half meters tall. This species tends to
be solitary in nature, but can make basal suckers.
Other Characteristics: The
name 'macrostrobilus' comes from the Latin
words meaning "large and megastrobili", referring to the
large female cones of this species. To begin,
there is very little written on (less photos) this
species. It is exceptionally rare in cultivation
and only time will tell if there will ever be any
domestic seed. E. macrostrobilus has long
pendulous leaves, which are only semi-erect with the
newest set of leaves. The leaflets are narrow,
armed (the petioles are armed prickles) and coated in
white tomentum. Leaflet tissue is thin and
pliable, which partially accounts for this species'
sensitivity to climates that get cool. This species
tends to be semi-dormant, and will defoliate completely
(or partially) during winter months (in cool/colder
climates). It is a relative slow
grower, but will generally flush once a year.
"Cones of both sexes emerging simultaneously, glabrous
(smooth), deep green maturing to olive green..." (Encephalartos
macrostrobilus (Zamiaceae), A New Cycad Species from
Northern Uganda, Scott Jones and Jeff Wynants)
Culture: In both coastal and
inland areas, this species requires filtered light and
protection (note: it may be difficult to grow).
For desert areas, I really don't recommend this species.
If you had to have it, I would grow it in shade in a
very protected spot. It need a porous soil that
drains well.
Landscape Usage:
Under ideal conditions, this is a beautiful plant.
It is not the easiest plant to grow, but can be in many
areas in Southern California. I would recommend
this species only for those who have establish gardens
with protected spots.
Availability: We,
on occasion, have this species for sale. It is
super rare and hard to find. Presently we have
very limited numbers available - but no plants with good
size. Seeds
have not been available lately. Give us a a call
or email about the size you seek.
Pricing:
Encephalartos macrostrobilus is a very
rare species and tends to be expensive for a green leafed
species.
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