Introduction to The British Gardener's website

Encephalartos cerinus

COMMON NAME

Waxen Cycad

TYPE

Cycad

FAMILY

Zamiaceae

NOTES

Encephalartos cerinus , also called the Waxen Cycad, it is among the rarest of the South African cycads. The waxy coating on its leaves and cones distinguishes it from all other species of Encephalartos.  Encephalartos cerinus was described in 1989. Only two small colonies of this species were ever found. Unfortunately, these colonies no longer exist, and now is only found in botanical gardens, private gardens, and nurseries. 

GEOGRAPHIC REGION

Restricted to Buffelsrivier Valley of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

NATIVE HABITAT

It grows in a hot and dry habitat mostly on east-facing on sheer cliffs overlooking river gorges, usually in very shallow soil. Plants occur in rocky grassy areas with a few shrubs.

WEB SOURCES

llifle.com

plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au

pacsoa.org