Cycads   Encephalartos cerinus

Distribution & Habitat: Found in only one location in the Tugela Ferry area of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa, where it lives on cliffs overlooking river gorges, usually in very shallow soil. Description: A distinctive small cycad with a trunk to 30cm long which can be subterranean or emergent, and dark bluish green leaves. Usually between 1 and 3 trunks with few suckers being produced. In habitat the plants usually drop their leaves before coning, and throwing new leaves. General: Only described in 1989, the species is now virtually extinct in habitat due to illegal poaching Culture: Sunny, extremely well drained position. Frost tolerant.

Figure 1. E. cerinus

Figure 2. E. cerinus female cone.

Links:	The Cycad Society
Contributed by:	Jason Sampson (Figure 1)
	Peter Heibloem Cycad Gardens (Figure 1,2,3&4)

For further information try
			VCE