OTHER CYCAD FEATURES
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ENCEPHALARTOS
SCLAVOI
Locality: This species is from the
Usambara Mountains, in the Tanga district of Tanzania.
The climate is dry and hot. It grows along the
edges of forests and brush on precipitous rocky
outcroppings, slopes and granite cliffs. E.
sclavoi can be found in full sun or under the
protection of native trees and forest.
Plant Size: This
species is medium sized and has fairly long leaves,
measuring up to two meters in length (though this can
vary with cultivar). Stems van vary in height
anywhere from two to four meters in height. This
variability seems to intersect with the fact that there
are two distinctive cultivars within this species which
vary in vigor, appearance and size. This species
can be solitary or multi-stemmed in its growth habit.
Other Characteristics:
This is a very tropical looking species, which has cupped
(concave) leaflets. They can be moderately or
heavily spined depending of the cultivar. There
seems to be two distinctive cultivars of this plant.
The first type is green emergent, has fewer spines and
is less cupped. The leaves and leaflets on this
species tend to be more robust and longer. The
second type is reddish brown emergent, has leaflets
which are more cupped and angled (away from the caudex),
is more heavily armed and is slower growing and less
robust. Both types are equally attractive, though
I tend to like the red emergent leaves on the smaller
less robust type. It is more uncommon to see
Encephalartos with emergent color. Both the
male and female cones on this species tend to be a
yellow to yellow green color.
Culture: In
coastal areas, this species is tolerant of full sun or
partial sun. For areas which are more inland, I
recommend either partial sun or filtered light. In
desert areas filtered light or shade are required.
Though this species grows along the edges of forests,
this species requires a fast draining soil and is not
very tolerant of water (unlike most Central African
species). If the species stays too wet it will
tend to defoliate during winter months and will get into
rot problems.
Landscape Usage:
Though this species is lovely, it is not the easiest to
grow. I recommend putting some thought into the
placement of this species. They do make a good
sized plant, so they will require room. This
species works well below larger species of plants in the
mid-range of the garden. It will certainly add a
tropical element to the landscape and is quite rare to
see in cultivation.
Availability: We
usually have available an assortment of sizes of this
species. It is a nice addition to any garden and
considered rare. Please scan below for our usual
sizes offered for sale.
Pricing:
Encephalartos sclavoi is a rare Central African
species but, fortunately, often available. Prices
are usually a bit expensive but still reasonable.
See below for pricing examples.
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