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Phone: (619) 291-4605
Fax: (619) 574-1595
Email: phil.bergman@junglemusic.net

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ENCEPHALARTOS UMBELUZIENSIS

SMALL, UNDERSTORY CYCAD

NATIVE TO SWAZILAND AND MOZAMBIQUE

GREEN LEAVES SIX FEET LONG

PLANT IN FILTERED LIGHT

by Phil & Jesse Bergman

A Brief Introduction of the Species

Introduction

This cycad is native to Swaziland and Mozambique. It is a small, understory species that needs filtered light in the garden. Morphology highlights include green upright leaves, the absence of prickles on the petioles and spaced leaflets with a few spines on the lower side of the leaflet margin. Stem size is under a foot, mostly subterranean. Leaf length is four to five feet typically. It is most closely related to Encephalartos villosus, a similar filtered light species. Read below for more information on this species.

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ENCEPHALARTOS UMBELUZIENSIS

Locality: This species is endemic to both Mozambique and Swaziland . It is restricted to the Umbeluzi River, which winds through these two countries. The plants grow in forest and brushland into more savanna-like habitat. The climate is hot and dry, except when there is flooding along the river plains.

Plant Size: This is a small species with a subterranean stem. Leaves can reach a length of up to two meters on older specimens, but tend to be closer to one meter. The stems are subterranean, almost never showing the caudex above ground. When they do it is limited as the species has contractile roots, which will pull this species back into the ground.

Other Characteristics: The name 'umbeluziensis' is in reference to the Umbeluzi River which the species grows along. This species is closely allied and is similar to Encephalartos villosus and Encephalartos aplanatus. The climate for these three species is different; Encephalartos villosus and Encephalartos aplanatus come from forests with taller growth in a climate that is more cool and wet. Of the three species Encephalartos umbeluziensis is the smallest. Leaflets on this species are long, thin and are moderately armed. The petioles on this species are mildly armed with prickles or can be almost completely unarmed. This is not what I would call a sharp or pokey species. The female cones on this species are yellow, and the male cones are green.

Culture: For all areas (coastal, inland and desert) this species requires filtered light or shade. It is not tolerant of sun and will need protection. A loamy soil is fine for this species, but it does not want to be excessively wet.

Landscape Usage: In the landscape, I would give this species a spot in the shade where it can serve as a beautiful tropical accent. It is small and semi-slow growing. I would situate it more toward the front of a planting as it will get lost if its placed too far back.

Availability: We typically have a very limited supply of this species. It is rare to see a nursery offer it. As this is a dwarf species, one wouldn't expect to see plants in larger sized containers. Smaller plants can be easily mail ordered.

Pricing: Encephalartos umbeluziensis is a rare species but somewhat affordable. Examples of prices are listed below.

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Read Much More - Home Page

Species		Band	1G		5G		CitrusPot		15G		25G
Encephalartos umbeluziensis		$65+	$85+		$195+		$ 195+		$500+		inquire

Encephalartos umbeluziensis is a very rare species and seeds have not been available for a while. It is also a dwarf cycad. Presently we have bands size up to 15g and maybe a few larger. Be aware this is a very difficult species to find.

Note: All Cycads are Sold by Caudex Size, Not Container Size.
For example, a given pot size could have a smaller or very large plant in the same size pot.
This is why there are "+" signs next to prices.
But, prices above will give you an estimate of beginning prices of each size.

RETURN TO LIST OF ENCEPHALARTOS SPECIES

Email:

phil.bergman@junglemusic.net

Website:

www.junglemusic.net

Nursery Location:

450 Ocean View Ave., Encinitas, CA 92024

Nursery Phone: 619 291 4605 Nursery Hours:

Monday - Saturday 9AM to 4PM

Directions to Nursery: Freeway Close. Take Freeway 5 to Encinitas
(10 minutes south of Oceanside, 30 minutes north of San Diego).
Exit Leucadia Blvd West (toward ocean).
Immediate left on Orpheus Ave, left on Union St,
Right on Ocean View Ave to Nursery, which is at 450 Ocean View Ave

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