Encephalartos villosus

Encephalartos villosus is a South African cycad occurring from the East London vicinity, where it is found near the coast, to the northern border of Swaziland where it may grow as far as 100 km inland. The species is common throughout its range and is the most frequently cultivated in Southern Africa, largely because of its affordable price. As a result of its large geographical distribution, it is notably variable in leaf and cone shape.

A largely underground trunk results in very little of the plant being visible, so that it is described as a dwarf species. The preferred habitat of this species is frost-free coastal bush. It hybridises readily with Encephalartos altensteinii in the Eastern Cape and with Encephalartos lebomboensis in the Pongola area.

The crown normally consists of tightly-packed bracts covered in dense grey woolly hair (villosus = hairy). As with all cycads this species is dioecious. Male plants may carry up to 15 cones, whereas only one or two occur on the females. The seeds, embedded in bright-red flesh are eaten and distributed by the Purple-crested Lourie (Tauraco porphyreolophus) and by the Trumpeter Hornbill (Bycanistes bucinator)^.

^{Article from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encephalartos_villosus)}

Encephalartos transvenosus

Encephalartos transvenosus (Modjadji Cycad or Modjadji's Cycad) is a palm-like cycad in the family Zamiaceae, growing to about 12 m tall. It is found in Limpopo Province in South Africa. It is also sometimes called "Modjadji's palm" and is named after the Rain Queen.

The leaves are 1.5-2.5 m long, pinnate, with numerous leaflets, each leaflet 16-25 cm long and 3-4 cm broad, with a spine tip and 2-3 small marginal teeth. The seed cones are 50-80 cm long and 20-30 cm diameter, containing numerous poisonous seeds surrounded by edible flesh.

Article from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encephalartos)

Encephalartos Genus

Encephalartos is a genus of cycad native to Africa. Several species of Encephalartos are commonly referred to as bread palms, bread tree or Kaffir bread since a bread-like starchy food can be prepared from the centre of the stem. All the species of Encephalartos are endangered. The genus name is derived from the Greek words en (within), kephali (head), and artos (bread), referring to the use of the pith to make food. They are, in evolutionary terms, one of the most primitive living gymnosperms.

Article from Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Encephalartos)

Encephalartos Seeds Currently Available

I’ve just attached underneath our generic list of seeds we have for sale. I will have to verify quantities available but the prices are at least accurate.

Encephalartos Lebomboensis Mananga R5,
E. Transvenosus R6,
E. Masinganus R8,
E. Ferox R4,
E. Friderici-guilielmi R18,
E. Eugene-Marais R145
E. Munchie Blue R49,
E. Altersteinii R8,
E. Lanatus R8,
E. Piet Retief R6,
E. Longifolius R8,

E. Bubalinus R85,

E. Turnerii R30,

Stangeria R25

Cycas Revoluta R3

Various other SEEDLINGS also for sale from 1 months after germination to 3 years old.

Many seedlings and plants also for sale!! Come visit us from 08:00 to 16:00 Mondays to Saturdays! Please call for directions!

Rudolph Robbertze
Tropical Farms
Tel 012 379 8354
Cel 082 572 9347
Web http://tropicalfarms.blogspot.com