Full Shade
Moderate care
Moderate watering
Tender
H5-H1c
RHS hardiness
-15°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
7m | Max | 7m |
2m | Min | 2m |
Flowering
spring
summer
autumn
winter
This plant has no fragrance
More images of Eastern Cape Giant Cycad
Eastern Cape Giant Cycad Overview
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.
Common problems with Eastern Cape Giant Cycad
Scale and rotting are the main obstackles!
How to harvest Eastern Cape Giant Cycad
Not usually harvested
How to propagate Eastern Cape Giant Cycad
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 of Eastern Cape Giant Cycad
Indoor plant
Drought resistant
Pot plant
Attracts birds
Other uses of Eastern Cape Giant Cycad
Ornamental
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!