Cycads
Encephalartos ferox
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Common Names:
Zululand cycad
Distribution & Habitat:
This cycad is widely distributed along the coastal strip of
Mozambique occurring mainly in the south. Its range extends into northern
Natal along the coast. It is most often found growing in sand under the
evergreen forest or growing in low undergrowth on sand dunes.
Stems:
Occasionally very old plants can reach a height of 1.8m.
Leaves:
The leaves are holly green
and the leaflets are wider than any other
Encephalartos
species. There is a form
of E. ferox
, which has curly leaves, where
the leaflets roll over to form a cylinder.
The leaves are 1-2m in length and highly
ornamental.
Cones:
Both the male and female
cones are a spectacular orange red colour,
but occasionally the cones can be yellow.
Cultivation:
E. ferox
is one of the most attractive
and widely grown of the African cycads. It requires
excellent drainage and does particularly well in deep sandy soil.
It commonly grows in some shade, however in cultivation plants
grown in full sun grow much faster than
those grown in shade. However, if a position
can be found where E. ferox
gets 3 or 4 hours
of sun a day, and part shade, the foliage is
often more attractive. This cycad is one of
the best species for the home garden.
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Figure 1. E. ferox
in Mozambique
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Figure 2. E. ferox
with cones.
Figure 3. E. ferox
in habitat.
Figure 4. E. ferox
double header male cone.
| Contributed by:
| Peter Heibloem,
(Cycad Gardens).
(Figure 2 - from
Palms & Cycads No. 60&61, July-Dec 1998)
| | Dr Andre J Cilliers (Figures 1&3)
| | Paul Kennedy (Figure 4)
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