Encephalartos altensteinii Lehm.

Encephalartos altensteinii

Family: ZAMIACEAE
Genus: Encephalartos
Species: altensteinii Lehm.
Common names: Prickly Cycad
Distribution summary: Temperate South Africa
Habit: Cycad
Hardiness: H3 - Half hardy; unheated greenhouse/mild winter
Habitat: Rocky slopes
Garden status: Currently grown
Garden location: Plants in pots (POT)
Reason for growing: Toxic

Additional Notes

South Africa and N. Coastal districts of E. Cape., to S. Natal, subtropical and temperate regions. Full sun or shade. Tolerates light frost.

Endangered species on CITES Appendix I

DEFRA

Seed is poisonous if ingested. Consumption of the seeds can lead to liver cancer

http://www.pfaf.org,

Toxic due to presence of azoxyglycosides, such as macrozamin and cycasin. Carcinogenic and teratogenic on ingestion .

Professor Anthony Dayan, 2022

Africa, Southern Africa, Cape Provinces

Africa, Southern Africa, KwaZulu-Natal

Image Gallery

Previous Next