Care of the cycad Encephalartos paucidentatus or Barberton cycad |
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The genus Encephalartos, family Zamiaceae, includes 60 species of cycads native to Africa. Some species are: Encephalartos paucidentatus, Encephalartos aemulans, Encephalartos transvenosus, Encephalartos lehmannii, Encephalartos villosus, Encephalartos senticosus, Encephalartos natalensis, Encephalartos lebomboensis, Encephalartos horridus, Encephalartos ferox, Encephalartos altensteinii. Common names: Barberton cycad. This species is native to Swaziland, South Africa. Encephalartos paucidentatus is an elegant, dioecious cycad with a thick trunk that can reach 60 cm (1.96 feet) in diameter and 6 metres(19.68 feet) in height; it grows relatively quickly. The leaves measure up to 2.5 m (8.2 feet) and are shiny dark green. The male cones produced are long, thin and yellow. The female cones are golden in colour. Barberton cycad is used in undergrowth, next to a wall and even in large pots. It combines very well with plants of the genus Veltheimia, Clivia, Plectranthus, Crinum and Asparagus. Encephalartos paucidentatus prefers semi-shade exposure, avoiding direct sunlight during the central hours of the day. It needs a frost-free climate with a certain amount of humidity. The soil can be normal garden soil with plenty of organic matter and a little coarse sand to improve drainage. Water regularly so that the substrate never dries out completely. Barberton cycad does not resist prolonged drought. Fertilise in autumn with compost and in spring with mineral fertiliser. Pruning is not necessary. Encephalartos paucidentatus is resistant to the usual pests and diseases. Propagation from seeds is a fairly slow process; it is advisable to propagate this plant by separating the shoots. |
Images of the cycad Encephalartos paucidentatus or Barberton cycad |
 Encephalartos paucidentatus  Encephalartos paucidentatus |