Poor man's cycad

Broodboom (Afr.)

The poor man's cycad is widely cultivated throughout Southern Africa. It is a dwarf species with an underground stem. Leaves are glossy, dark-green and 1.2 - 2.5 m in length. Female cones are cylindrical, 30 - 50 cm in length, green-yellow to orange in colour. Seeds are beautiful dark red.

Planning

Difficulty

Easy

Fruiting time

Summer, Autumn, Winter, Spring

Harvesting

Harvest seed as soon as they loosen from the cone.

Propagation

Seed

Sow seed just after collection in well-draining sandy soil.

Special features

Geography

Origin

South Africa

Natural climate

Coastal forests

Environment

Light

Partial Sun

Soil moisture

Wet

Soil type

Loam

Soil PH preference

Neutral

Frost hardiness

Half-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