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Alexandria Cycad
Encephalartos arenarius
SA tree no: 3.2
English: Alexandria Cycad, Dune Cycad, Kwa Qaba Cycad, Sandy Cycad, Sand Cycad, Kenton Cycad
Afrikaans: Alexandriabroodboom, Duinebroodboom, Sandbroodboom
Xhosa: umNgqungqu, iSundu
Zulu: uPhondo
Nguni: uMphanga wakwa Qaba
Historical scientific names: Encephalartos arenarius var. dentatus
Encephalartos arenarius, commonly known as the Alexandria Cycad or Dune Cycad, is a medium-sized, highly endangered cycad endemic to the Eastern Cape of South Africa. This ancient plant is characterised by its typically multi-stemmed trunk that often lies on the ground, partially buried in sand and leaf mould. From each trunk (or caudex) emerges a crown of large, arching, leathery leaves that can be dull green or a striking powdery blue-green (extremely rare form), making it a highly decorative and historically significant among plant collectors. The impressive cones are light green in colour.
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Distinguishing features:
Often multi-stemmed plant with a lead stem that can be subterranean or aerial, emerging above ground with age.
There are two distinct forms: the more common green-leaved form and a rare blue-leaved form.
Leaves are long (1-1.5 metres) and the leaf stalk (petiole) often recurves sharply at the tip.
Leaflets are broad, often overlapping, with toothed margins.
Dioecious, producing separate male and female cones on different plants.
Female cones are large and barrel-shaped while males are more slender and elongated; both light green.
Seeds are roughly spherical and covered in a bright red, fleshy layer.
Overall appearance:
Encephalartos arenarius is a medium-sized cycad, typically growing with a subterranean stem or a short, unbranched, or branched aerial stem that often lies on the ground, covered by sand and leaf mould. It produces a graceful crown of large, arching leaves that can be dull green or a striking blue-green, giving it a distinctive appearance. It often develops basal suckers, leading to a multi-stemmed cluster.
Height:
The stem (caudex) can grow to 2 metres high, but typically less than a metre except in very old specimens. Diameter of 20-50 cm. The leaves can reach up to 1.5 metres in length, extending the overall height of the plant.
Width:
A mature clump can spread to approximately 2-3 metres in width due to its multi-stemmed growth habit and spreading leaves.
Leaves:
The leaves (fronds) are 1.0-1.5 metres long, lanceolate, leathery, and arranged in a circular crown. They are typically dull green, but a sought-after blue-leaved form also exists, especially when grown in full sun. The leaflets are broad (2.5-4 cm), often overlapping, and the lower margin usually has 3-4 flat or slightly twisted lobes/teeth, while the upper margin is entire or has a single tooth. The leaf stalk is smooth on one side and hairy on the other, and often recurves sharply at the tip.
Cones:
Cycads do not produce true flowers. Instead, they produce cone-like structures. Encephalartos arenarius is dioecious, meaning male and female cones are borne on separate plants.
Male cones: Typically 1 to 3 per plant, elongated cylindrical, measuring 30-50 cm long and 8-15 cm in diameter. They are light green when mature. Pollen is shed from these cones.
Female cones: Usually solitary, barrel-shaped, measuring 35-60 cm long and 20-30 cm in diameter. They are light green 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 May. 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 January.
Fruits:
The "fruits" are actually the seeds, which are covered by a fleshy, outer layer called the sarcotesta. These seeds are roughly spherical, 20-25 mm wide, and bright red when ripe.
Seeds:
The seeds are approximately spherical, 20-25 mm in diameter, covered by a bright red, fleshy sarcotesta. Inside, the kernel is yellowish.
Caudex:
The caudex ("trunk" or "stem") is rough, covered in old leaf bases, and typically greyish-brown. It is usually subterranean (buried in the ground) or semi-subterranean, but can become aerial, reaching up to 1-2 metres tall. It is stout (20-30 cm in diameter) and often branched from the base, producing multiple suckers. It is soft, pithy, and starchy internally, not producing true wood in the timber sense.
Thorns:
No true thorns, but the leaflets are stiff and extremely prickly, especially at the tips and sometimes along the margins.
Roots:
It has a 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 soils, reflecting its natural habitat in dune forests. It is tolerant of poor, nutrient-deficient soils, but good drainage is crucial to prevent root rot.
Aspect:
Grows best in semi-shade to dappled shade, which mimics its natural understorey habitat in dune forests. The blue form can tolerate full sun, which enhances its blue colour. It is frost sensitive and requires a frost-free environment. It prefers a sheltered position, protected from strong winds.
Edibility:
The seeds of Encephalartos arenarius 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 arenarius 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: Highly prized as an ornamental plant in gardens, rockeries, and large containers for its prehistoric appearance, striking foliage, and rarity.
Conservation: Crucial for ex-situ conservation efforts due to its endangered status.
Traditional: Historically, the pith from the stem was used as a source of starch after extensive processing to remove toxins, hence the common name "bread tree" for some cycads (though this is more common for other species). The red sarcotesta of the seeds is sometimes used as a traditional food source for certain animal species after careful preparation.
Ecology:
Encephalartos arenarius plays a role in its unique dune forest ecosystem. Its cones are pollinated by specific insect vectors, typically small beetles (e.g., weevils from the family Curculionidae) which are attracted by volatile chemicals released by the cones.
The bright red seeds attract birds (e.g., turacos, hornbills) and mammals (e.g., baboons, rodents) which consume the fleshy outer layer (sarcotesta) and disperse the hard, toxic seeds.
It provides some habitat and shelter within its dense crown.
Distribution and habitat:
This species is endemic to a very small area in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa, specifically in the Alexandria district.
Populations are found from Nanaga in the west to Canon Rocks in the east.
It typically grows in densely wooded coastal dune thicket and coastal forest, often on moderate to steep slopes in sandy soil on stabilised dunes, at altitudes of 100 to 200 metres above sea level.
It prefers shady sites within these forests.
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.
arenarius: The specific epithet is Latin for "of sand" or "sandy," referring to its preferred habitat in the coastal dune sands.
Historical aspects:
Cycads are often called "living fossils" as they represent an ancient lineage of plants dating back millions of years to the time of dinosaurs. Encephalartos arenarius embodies this ancient heritage, having survived significant geological and climatic changes.
It was first described scientifically in 1956 by R.A. Dyer.
Its striking appearance and rarity have made it highly sought after by collectors, unfortunately leading to significant poaching and contributing to its critically endangered status.
Poaching has been the main cause of decline over the past 50 years, but habitat destruction (bush clearing to make way for pastures) has also caused losses.
The population size of Encephalartos arenarius is estimated to be only 850-1,500 mature individuals. Most plants occur in the dense dune vegetation that is difficult to survey with scattered individuals occuring in agricultural lands and cleared dunes.
Conservation efforts are now vital to protect this unique plant for future generations. These plants cannot be sold or moved without a permit.
Interesting facts:
Imagine a plant that's been around since the dinosaurs roamed the Earth – that's a cycad for you! Encephalartos arenarius is truly a "living fossil."
The species name arenarius literally means 'of sand'. This Alexandria cycad is right at home in the sandy, coastal dune forests.
You might spot two different styles of this plant: one with beautiful green leaves and a super rare "blue form" that looks like it's covered in a silvery powder!
Cycads have separate male and female plants, each making their own special cones – no actual flowers here!
Sadly, this incredible plant is critically endangered, largely because people illegally remove them from the wild. It's a reminder of why we need to protect our precious indigenous plants.
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 endangered cycads.
Light: Prefers semi-shade or dappled light, especially the green form. The blue form can handle full sun, which enhances its blue colour.
Soil: Requires extremely well-drained, sandy soil. If planting in a pot, use a very coarse, sandy cycad mix. Poor drainage will lead to 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: Highly sensitive to frost. Must be grown in a frost-free climate or protected during cold spells.
Propagation: Best propagated from seed (requires manual pollination in cultivation if both male and female cones are available, and fresh, cleaned seeds). Slow-growing. Basal suckers can sometimes be carefully removed and rooted, but this requires expertise.
Maintenance: Low maintenance once established, but protect from 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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