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Natal grass cycad

Stangeria eriopus

Stanger`s cycad, Natal grass cycad (Eng.)

The Natal Grass Cycad is indigenous to the East coast of Southern Africa. It is very adaptive and grows in full sun in open grasslands, and can also be found growing in full shade in forests. Female cones are egg-shaped, about 20 cm in length, and produce pink seeds.

Planning

Difficulty

Moderate

Fruiting time

Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring

Propagation

Seed

Naked seeds grow on female plants and need pollen from male plants to be fertile. Sow fresh fertile seeds in sandy soil and keep warm and moist. Germination can take 1-3 months.

Suckers

Allow suckers to grow attached to the motherplant for about two years until they have enough reserves to survive on their own. Remove with a clean cut and use flowers-of-sulphar to help the wounds to heal.