Encephalartos whitelockii - Whitelock's Cycad
Description
Encephalartos whitelockii, commonly known as Whitelock's Cycad, is a rare and striking cycad known for its robust trunk and elegant, arching fronds. This plant is highly valued for its ornamental beauty and prehistoric appearance, making it a standout feature in both tropical and subtropical landscapes.
Flowers
Whitelock's Cycad produces large, cone-like structures instead of flowers. Male and female cones are borne on separate plants (dioecious). The male cones are elongated and cylindrical, while the female cones are larger and barrel-shaped.
Foliage
The leaves are pinnate and arching, with numerous stiff, lance-shaped leaflets arranged along the length of the frond. Each frond can reach up to 2-3 meters in length. The leaflets are dark green, providing a lush and vibrant appearance. The foliage creates a dense, feathery canopy that is both elegant and functional for shade.
Fruit
The seeds are borne within the female cones and are typically large and brightly colored, ranging from red to orange. These seeds are not typically consumed and are primarily of interest for propagation.
Form and Size
Whitelock's Cycad typically grows to a height of 3-4 meters with a spread of 2-3 meters. It has a thick, stout trunk that is topped with a crown of arching fronds. The trunk is covered with old leaf bases and has a rugged, textured appearance, contributing to its impressive and ancient look.
Growing Conditions
- Soil: Prefers well-drained, sandy or loamy soil. Thrives in moist, fertile conditions and can tolerate a range of soil types.
- Sunlight: Grows best in full sun to partial shade. Young plants benefit from some protection from direct, harsh sunlight.
- Water: Requires regular watering to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. It benefits from higher humidity levels.
- Climate: Suitable for tropical and subtropical climates. It prefers warm conditions and can tolerate light frost once established.
Uses
- Landscaping: Ideal for use as a specimen plant, focal point, or in group plantings. It is suitable for large gardens, parks, and tropical-themed landscapes.
- Ornamental: The striking fronds and stout trunk provide a dramatic and exotic look, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of any garden or landscape.
- Containers: Can be grown in large containers for patios and poolside areas.
Maintenance
- Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Remove any dead or damaged fronds to maintain appearance.
- Fertilizing: Benefits from regular applications of a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season.
- Pest and Disease: Generally pest-resistant but can be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs. Ensure good air circulation and avoid waterlogging to minimize disease risk.
Notes
Whitelock's Cycad is a versatile and visually striking plant that adds a distinctive prehistoric flair to any garden or landscape. Its unique form and elegant fronds make it a favorite among cycad enthusiasts and landscape designers.
Companion Plants
- Cycas revoluta (Sago Palm)
- Bismarckia nobilis (Bismarck Palm)
- Strelitzia nicolai (Giant Bird of Paradise)
- Heliconia spp. (Heliconia)
Common Name
Whitelock's Cycad
Botanical Name
Encephalartos whitelockii
Family
Zamiaceae
Origin
Native to Uganda
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Please note that all Plants on this site are a range of plants we grow through out the year.
Availability changes all through out the year. please check with us via our Sunshine Coast Garden Centre page for Pricing & Availability
Product Availability
Plants & Pots come and go all year around.
- Plants are seasonal and sometimes we run out but have more batches coming along.
- Some Plants are not always in-stock however we can either order it in. pending availability
- Available numbers change every hour of the day in store and where we grow so please check in with us on how many you are looking for
- we have access to thousands of plants. if you are looking for a specific plant please let us know and we will see if its coming into stock soon or if we can order it for you.
- we will sometimes keep plants on our website to show you the description of how it grows and its specific characteristics. they may not be in stock all the time however we will keep it up online so when it comes in we wont have to reload products
Where are our plants Grown and how do we grow them
- Plants are grown locally on the Sunshine Coast
- All outdoor plants are sun hardened and ready to grow
- Indoor plants are grown under 50% Shade and will transfer perfectly to indoor use
- Orchids are also grown under 50% Shade and are best brought indoors during flowering for show then returned back into a shaded area until the following flowering time
- we are Qualified horticulturists, greenkeeper as well as Qualified landscape Construction with over 35 years experience in the industry. We use Quality products and materials to grow all our plants.
How to Look after your plants like we do
- When using any Garden Care products or Fertilisers we always recommend reading the label before use
- We recommend using Earthlife crushed rock mineral on all plants when planting in the ground or in Pots.
- When planting in Pots in Our garden centre we use either Rocky Point Premium Potting mix or our own custom potting mixes blend to plant all our plants
- If planting in the ground we also recommend that you use good quality Bagged garden soil around your plants at the time of planting
