OTHER CYCAD FEATURES
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ENCEPHALARTOS MANIKENSIS
Locality: This species is endemic to Mozambique and
Zimbabwe. Its habitat consists of grasslands, sloping granite
hills or mountain forest regions. These areas get moderate to
heavy annual rainfall.
Plant Size: This species can vary in size, as
there is conflict on the species itself. Some taxonomists argue
that there are up to five different species or cultivars (the
E. manikensis alliance). For simplicity, I will
generalize the sizes. Typical leaf length is about two meters.
Stems can reach heights of two to three meters, though this
would take a very long time. Stems tend to be solitary, but
some plants produce basal suckers sparingly.
Other Characteristics: Encephalartos
manikensis has olive to dark green foliage (some related
species have different colors). The long leaves and sprawling
crown make for an impressive display. Though this species is
armed, the spines are typically soft and are mildly sharp.
Also, there is some variability to stem color (as shown in the
photos). Some stems are light colored, possessing fine white
hair. Others are more dark in appearance with dark woody
scales. Female cones are a bluish green and male cones are
similar in color.
Culture: This fast growing Central African
species is well suited to coastal sun, and partial inland sun.
In desert areas, this plant requires shade or filtered light.
It does better in soil that drains well, but is fairly water
tolerant (as many of the Central African varieties are).
Landscape Usage: This plant does need some
space. They have long leaves and stout trunks. Though they do
not get very tall, they are showy enough that they can make a
statement all on their own. They look great in tropical and
water-wise gardens alike.
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 manikensis is a
rare species but affordable. Being a good grower in the ground,
one will have a good sized plant in not too many years.
Examples of prices are listed below.
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