OTHER CYCAD FEATURES
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ENCEPHALARTOS
PTEROGONUS
Locality: This species is
critically endangered with very few mature plants
believed to be in existence in the wild. It is
endemic to Mount Mruwere in the Manica province of
Mozambique. Which until recently was considered to be
the only place they could be found. Some recent
reports suggest that it may also be on Mount Dengalenga
(an adjacent mountain) and surrounding hills.
(Donaldson, J.S. 2010. Encephalartos pterogonus) I
have yet to read a report confirming this, but ever if
it is the case, they are still very rare and are
critically endangered. This plant naturally occurs
in rocky outcroppings and steep hillsides in and along
the perimeter of mountain forest.
Plant Size:
This is a medium sized species. Leaves get between
a meter to a meter and a half. Foliage tends to
sprawl out, encompassing a large space. The stems
are relatively short, rarely exceeding a meter and a
half to two meters on the tall end. This species
can either be solitary stem or produce multiple stems.
Other Characteristics:
The name 'pterogonus' comes from the :Latin words
meaning "wing and reproductive part"; this is in direct
reference to the wing-like structures which are found on
the male cones. Encephalartos pterogonus
falls within the 'manikensis alliance', which
is a large group of manikensis-like plants
which stretch between Mozambique and Zimbabwe primarily.
The leaves on this species tend to be two toned, having
a dark green color on the top of the leaflets and a
lighter green on the bottom. The petioles are
often covered in white tomentum (plant hair), which
beautifully contrasts the green of the leaves. The
leaflets and petioles are armed and are mildly sharp.
It is a moderate growing species, but it tends to flush
new leaves annually. The female cones are green
with a slight bluish hue. Male cones are more of a
yellow/green with wing-like appendages on the distal
edge of the sporophylls.
Culture: In
coastal and inland areas, this species does well in full
or partial sun. For desert areas, I recommend
filtered light or shade. This species like a soil
that drains well, but is tolerant of water.
Landscape Usage:
This species will need some space, but will make a
showy plant for you! It works well in most garden
types and will get you something that will never get too
tall. I would plant it back from the edges of your
garden as they can get wide.
Availability: We
typically have a very limited supply of this species. It is rare to see a nursery offer
it and it's sometimes difficult with nursery plants to
tell if you are purchasing the real thing. It
takes age and coning to confirm identification. We
feel we are offering the true species. Presently
we don't have any larger plants/coning sized specimens.
Pricing:
Encephalartos pterogonus is an extremely
rare species, so prices tend to be expensive.
Examples of prices are listed below.
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