Modjadji cycad

Broodboom (Afr.)

The Modjadji cycad is the largest cycad in southern Africa. Stem crowns are covered in golden brown wool and produce glossy olive-green leaves. Female cones are golden-yellow, oval, 50 - 80 cm in length, and can weigh up to 36 kg. Seeds can be red or yellow.

Planning

Difficulty

Moderate

Fruiting time

Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring

Harvesting

Harvest seed when mature and starting to loosen from the cone. Sow immediately.

Propagation

Seed

Sow fresh seed in good draining sand.

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.

Special features

Geography

Origin

Southern Africa

Natural climate

Sub-tropical

Environment

Light

Full Sun

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

Scent

None

Problems

Generally problem free. Monitor for Scale insects and do not overwater!

Red Scale

Aonidiella auranti