Eastern Cape giant cycad

This giant cycad grows in dense coastal vegetation and riverine bush along the Eastern Cape coastline. The base of the cycad is often enlarged and tapers towards the crown. Leaves can be 2 -3 m long. Female plants produce 1 - 5 cones per crown. These cones are egg-shaped, 40 -50 cm in length, yellow, covered in fine brown hair, and produce red seeds.

Planning

Difficulty

Moderate

Fruiting time

Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter

Harvesting

Not usually harvested

Propagation

Seed

Sow fertile seeds in moist potting soil with added sand to help draining and prevent rot.

Suckers

Allow suckers to grow at least two years attacked to the mother plant to develop enough reserves to survive as new plant. Make a clean cut to remove and sterilise the wound with Flowers-of-Sulphar to help heal.

Special features

Geography

Origin

South Africa, Eastern Cape

Natural climate

Humid, sub-tropical

Environment

Light

Full Shade

Soil moisture

Moist

Soil type

Loam

Soil PH preference

Neutral

Frost hardiness

Hardy

Uses

Edible

The Afrikaans name 'Broodboom' came from the traditional use of the pith as bread - note that Cycads is toxic and it needs a 3month fermentation process to break down those toxins!

Notes

Ornamental

Personality

Family

Zamiaceae

Flower colour

none

Scent

None

Problems

Scale and rotting are the main obstackles!

Root Rot

Phytophthora spp.