Forest Cycad
Encephalartos villosus
Flora
| At a Glance | |
| Family | Zamiaceae |
| Seasonality | Evergreen |
| Height | 2,5m |
| SA Tree Number | none |
| Conservation Status | Least Concern |
Description
Encephalartos villosus has a short sub-terranean stem, more or less continuous with the main root. In mature plants the stem protrudes slightly above ground level but not more than about 30cm. The top of the stem is densely woolly.
The leaves of this cycad are dark shiny green. A new flush of leaves emerges rapidly from the crown and these are covered with a dense layer of white hairs that are soon shed. Leaves can be 3m in length but about half this measurement is more typical.
Distribution
Encephalartos villosus is one of the most common ornamental dwarf cycads in southern Africa. It is shade-loving and produces leaves which spread out gracefully, with glossy dark green leaflets. This species is a fast grower and in 5 to 8 years will develop into a substantial plant.
This species occurs from East London in the Eastern Cape extending eastwards through the Transkei, KwaZulu-Natal and as far as Swaziland. It is by far the most widespread species of Encephalartos in southern Africa The plants grow in forests and sheltered areas with a rainfall ranging from 900 to 1 300 mm a year in the summer months.
Flower - Fruit
Encephalartos villosus is one of the most common ornamental dwarf cycads in southern Africa. It is shade-loving and produces leaves which spread out gracefully, with glossy dark green leaflets. This species is a fast grower and in 5 to 8 years will develop into a substantial plant.
This species occurs from East London in the Eastern Cape extending eastwards through the Transkei, KwaZulu-Natal and as far as Swaziland. It is by far the most widespread species of Encephalartos in southern Africa The plants grow in forests and sheltered areas with a rainfall ranging from 900 to 1 300 mm a year in the summer months.
Uses
Much sought after by gardeners.
Local Information
There are three species of cycad in Krantzkloof Nature Reserve. In addition to the E. villosus you will find the Natal Cycad (E. natalensis) which are most commonly seen. The Natal Cycad is rarer and grows mainly on inaccessible rock faces where it is safe from thieves. There are some magnificent examples in the reserve with stems up to 3/4m in height. The much rarer Grass Cycad (Stangeria eriopus) is found in the grasslands and is often mistaken for a fern!
There are also some good examples of the Natal Cycad at the Krantzkloof Conference Center
There are strict laws on the possession and removal of cycads.
Cycads are listed as Threatened or Protected Species (TOPS) in terms of the National Environmental Management: Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) of 2004, therefore permits are required for posession and translocation of all indigenous cycads or cycad material.
Interesting Facts
The specific name villosus (Latin = hairy) refers to the young, newly sprouting leaves which are densely covered with white hairs. This species was described by C H Lemaire in 1867. In the 1800s this species was exported in large numbers and can be found growing in many conservatories in Europe.