Encephalartos gratus

A medium-sized cycad with a trunk to about 2.5 metres tall. Usually solitary, but sometimes clustering. Leaves are dark green, and up to 2 metres long, usually straight, with multi splined leaflets straight, with a slight curve at the ends.

Culture:    Grows well in both the direct sun (with afternoon shade) and filtered light and requires excellent drainage.

Encephalartos gratus, though of restricted range, is relatively common in collections because of the high rate of viability of the seeds and the large numbers of seeds produced on a single plant. It is easy to cultivate, and growth is very rapid. Sizable plants can be produced from seed in 10 years. The seed is easily set on cultivated plants where weather conditions permit them to be grown in the ground.

This species can produce more cones than any other species of Encephalartos

CITES Appendix: 1

Reference Links:

• Extract from “The Cycads” by Loran M. Whitelock

Height	2.5 metres tall
Diameter	60 cm
Leaf size	120 – 200 cm long, highly glossy
Region	Malawi, Mount Mulanje, and more recently, sightings reported in Mozambique near Mavita, and in the Derra Namuli northeastof Gurue (vila Junqueiro).
Best suited climate	Tropical, subtropical and perhaps warm temperate regions. Can be grown in full sun.

Download Encephalartos gratus fact sheet