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Eastern Cape Giant Cycad

Encephalartos altensteinii

SA tree no: 3

English: Eastern Cape Giant Cycad, Eastern Cape Cycad, Bread Palm, Coastal Cycad, Common Giant Cycad

Afrikaans: Oos-Kaapse Reusebroodboom, Broodboom, Oos-Kaapse Broodboom, Reusebroodboom, Kusbroodboom

Xhosa: umNgqungqu, iSundu

Zulu: uPhondo

Historical scientific names: Zamia altensteinii, Encephalartos brachyphyllus

Encephalartos altensteinii, commonly known as the Eastern Cape Cycad or Eastern Cape Giant Cycad, is a magnificent and one of the most widely cultivated indigenous cycads of South Africa. This robust and long-lived plant is characterised by its stout, typically unbranched stem (trunk) that can grow quite tall, topped with a majestic crown of long, arching, light green, evergreen leaves. It is highly valued for its striking ornamental appeal, prehistoric grandeur, and relative ease of growth compared to many other cycad species.

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Distinguishing features:

Produces a robust, often unbranched, aerial stem (trunk) that can grow quite tall.
Leaves are long (up to 2-3 metres), light green, glossy, evergreen, and arch gracefully.
Leaflets are narrow, rigid, often spirally twisted along the midrib, and typically have 1-3 sharp teeth on both the upper and lower margins, particularly towards the apex.
Dioecious, producing separate male and female cones on different plants.
Cones are large, often yellowish to orange-yellow. Male cones are cylindrical, female cones are barrel-shaped.
Seeds are roughly spherical and covered in a bright red, fleshy layer.

Overall appearance:

Encephalartos altensteinii is a large, tree-like cycad. It typically grows a stout, unbranched (or occasionally sparsely branched) aerial stem (trunk) that can reach impressive heights. This stem is topped by a large, elegant crown of numerous, long, arching, light green, evergreen leaves, giving it a majestic and prehistoric appearance. It is an ornamental garden plant.

Height:

The plant typically reaches heights of 4-5 metres, but older specimens can grow up to 6 metres or more. The leaves themselves can be very long, extending up to 2-3 metres in length in shaded conditions, or shorter in full sun.

Width:

A mature plant can have a crown width of 2 to 4 metres, with its long, spreading leaves creating a significant presence.

Leaves:

The leaves (fronds) are 2-3 metres long, light green, glossy, and evergreen, forming a large, graceful crown. The leaflets are narrow (1.5-2.5 cm wide), rigidly leathery, and often spirally twisted along the midrib. They typically have 1-3 sharp teeth on both the upper and lower margins, particularly towards the apex. The leaf stalk (petiole) is smooth, usually without prickles.

Cones:

Cycads do not produce true flowers. Instead, they produce cone-like structures. Encephalartos altensteinii is dioecious, meaning male and female cones are borne on separate plants.

Male cones: Typically 1 to 5 per plant, elongated cylindrical, measuring 40-60 cm long and 10-15 cm in diameter. They are yellowish to orange-yellow when mature.
Female cones: Usually 1 to 3 per plant, barrel-shaped, measuring 40-70 cm long and 20-30 cm in diameter. They are yellowish to orange-yellow and somewhat glaucous (waxy bloom) when mature. These cones produce the seeds.

Cone season:

Cones typically emerge in late summer to autumn. Male cones shed pollen around April to June. Female cones become receptive around the same time. The seeds mature within the female cone over several months, typically ripening and being released from October to December. In Kenton-on-Sea, Eastern Cape (current month June), male cones might be shedding pollen, and female cones would be maturing.

Fruits:

The "fruits" are actually the seeds, which are covered by a fleshy, outer layer called the sarcotesta. These seeds are roughly spherical to ovoid, 25-35 mm wide, and bright red to reddish-orange when ripe.

Seeds:

The seeds are approximately spherical to ovoid, 25-35 mm in diameter, covered by a bright red to reddish-orange, fleshy sarcotesta. Inside, the kernel is yellowish.

Caudex:

The caudex ("trunk" or 'stem') is rough, covered in persistent old leaf bases, and typically greyish-brown. It is robust, erect, and typically unbranched, although it may occasionally sucker from the base, forming multiple heads. It can grow quite tall (up to 6 metres) and is usually 30-45 cm in diameter. The stem is soft, pithy, and starchy internally, not producing true wood in the timber sense.

Thorns:

The leaflets are stiff and rigid, often ending in a sharp point, and typically have 1-3 sharp teeth along their margins. The plant does not have true thorns on its stems.

Roots:

It has a strong taproot system, with fibrous roots that also form coralloid roots (specialised roots that grow upwards, near the soil surface, and contain nitrogen-fixing cyanobacteria, aiding in nutrient absorption).

Soil type:

Prefers well-drained, sandy, or loamy soils. It is adaptable to various soil types but good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot. It can tolerate nutrient-poor soils.

Aspect:

Thrives in full sun to light shade. It tolerates light frost once established, but young plants should be protected from severe cold. It prefers warm, moist conditions and is often found on rocky hillsides and exposed escarpments in its natural habitat. It can tolerate some wind.

Edibility:

The seeds of Encephalartos altensteinii are toxic in their raw state. Historically, indigenous people of Southern Africa would process cycad seeds (e.g., leaching, fermenting, grinding) to remove toxins before consumption, typically to extract starch. However, this is a complex and potentially dangerous process, and direct consumption is highly dangerous.

Toxicity:

All parts of Encephalartos altensteinii are considered toxic, particularly the seeds, which contain neurotoxins (cycasin) and other harmful compounds. Ingestion can cause severe gastrointestinal upset, liver damage, and neurological disorders, including paralysis. Extreme caution should be exercised; wear gloves when handling seeds.

Uses:

Ornamental: One of the most popular and widely cultivated cycads globally due to its striking appearance, robust nature, and impressive size. Used as a specimen plant in large gardens, parks, and botanical collections.
Conservation: Crucial for ex-situ conservation efforts as part of broader cycad protection.
Traditional: Historically, the starchy pith from the stem was processed as a food source (though with significant toxicological risks). The seeds' fleshy outer layer is a food source for some animals.

Ecology:

Encephalartos altensteinii plays a role in its specific ecosystem. Its cones are pollinated by specific insect vectors, primarily small beetles (e.g., weevils), which are attracted by volatile chemicals released by the cones. The bright red seeds attract birds (e.g., turacos, hornbills, starlings) and mammals (e.g., baboons, rodents) which consume the fleshy outer layer (sarcotesta) and disperse the hard, toxic seeds. Its large structure can provide some shelter for smaller creatures.

Distribution and habitat:

This species is endemic to the coastal regions of the Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces of South Africa. It typically grows in coastal bush, dense evergreen forest, and on rocky hillsides, cliffs, and exposed escarpments, particularly near the coast.

Derivation of name:

Encephalartos: The genus name is derived from Greek: "en" meaning "in," "kephalos" meaning "head," and "artos" meaning "bread." This refers to the starchy pith found in the stems of some species, which was traditionally prepared as a food source (bread) by indigenous people.
altensteinii: The specific epithet honours Baron Karl vom Stein zum Altenstein (1770-1840), a Prussian statesman and patron of science who supported botanical expeditions.

Historical aspects:

Cycads are often referred to as "living fossils" due to their ancient lineage, dating back to the time of dinosaurs. Encephalartos altensteinii represents this ancient heritage. It was first described scientifically in 1834 by J.G. Lehmann. Due to its majestic appearance, it became one of the first cycads to be widely cultivated outside of South Africa. Despite its relative abundance compared to more critically endangered species, wild populations still face threats from habitat loss and illegal collection, making conservation efforts crucial.

Interesting facts:

This "living fossil" has been around since the time of dinosaurs – talk about an old soul!
It's one of the easiest cycads to grow, making it a favourite among gardeners who want a touch of prehistoric grandeur.
Its seeds are a vibrant bright red, making the cones look like they're decorated with shiny Christmas baubles!
Unlike flowering plants, this cycad produces cones, with separate "boy" and "girl" plants, which need specific insects to help them make seeds.
The leaves can grow incredibly long, up to 3 metres, giving the plant a truly majestic and tropical feel!

Growing tips:

Conservation: Never collect this plant from the wild. Only acquire plants from reputable, licensed nurseries that can prove their origin through legal cultivation. Permits are required to own and transport indigenous cycads.
Light: Prefers full sun for compact growth and best cone production. It can tolerate partial shade, but leaves may become longer and less stiff.
Soil: Requires very well-drained soil. A sandy loam or a specialized cycad potting mix is ideal. Good drainage is crucial to prevent stem rot.
Watering: Water regularly during the growing season (summer) but allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings. Reduce watering significantly in winter.
Frost Protection: Tolerates light frost once established. In areas with severe frost, young plants should be protected, or larger plants may need covering.
Propagation: Best propagated from fresh seeds (clean thoroughly after fruit removal and ensure hand-pollination if growing to obtain seeds). Germination can be slow. Suckers can sometimes be carefully removed and rooted, but this requires expertise.
Maintenance: Relatively low maintenance once established. Watch out for pests like scale insects and mealybugs.
Safety: Always wear gloves when handling, especially the seeds, due to their toxicity.

This plant is a fantastic alternative for:

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