OTHER CYCAD FEATURES
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ENCEPHALARTOS
PAUCIDENTATUS
Locality: This species is endemic
to the Mpumalanga Province and South Africa and the
northwestern part of Swaziland (Near Piggs Peak).
Populations are sporadically interspersed on steep,
rocky hillsides in forests and brushlands. The
climate is hot and gets moderate rainfall.
Plant Size:
This is a medium to large sized plant. Leaves can
reach a length between one and a half to two and a half
meters. The variability is attributable to
exposure, maturity and cultivar type. Stems can
grow quite large, reaching heights of over six meters
over centuries. This species can sucker, but does
do sparingly when it does.
Other Characteristics:
The name 'paucidentatus' comes from the Latin
words meaning "few toothed", which is in reference to
the leaflets having few spines (or teeth). This
species is affiliated with and can closely resemble
Encephalartos heenanii and Encephalartos
transvenosus, especially as the localities
intersect. These long and beautiful leaves are
minimally armed and are falcate to a greater or lesser
extent. Larger specimens can look very similar to
palms with large full crowns and tall stems. Stems
will occasionally branch, but this is typically the
result of trauma or injury to the plant. This
species is a relatively fast grower, and can flush once
to twice a year (depending on climate). Female
cones are a yellow color, where males cones are more
brownish. Both emerge very wooly, but this
gradually dissipates as cones mature.
Culture: In
coastal and inland areas, this species is good for full
or partial sun. For desert areas, this plant needs
to be in filtered light or shade. I would suggest
a topsoil that drains well for this species. It is
relatively tolerant of water, but does not want to be
excessively wet.
Landscape Usage:
This species is one of our favorites. It is
showy, tropical looking, makes a spectacular show and
carries a full crown. It will work well with most
landscape types, be it tropical or more water
conserving. This species does get fairly large,
and will require space. I would set it back from
any walkway or seating as it will overwhelm a tight
space.
Availability: We
typically have a reasonable selection of several sizes of this
rare species. It is rare to see a nursery offer
it. Smaller plants can be easily mail ordered.
Pricing:
Encephalartos paucidentatus is a
rare species but somewhat affordable.
Examples of prices are listed below.
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