This slow growing palm-like cycad forms a thick trunk that is covered in leaf bases. It has long divided dark glossy green leaves that are upright to arching and the yellow female oblong cones appear during summer and produce bright red seeds.

Hardiness zones 10 to 11

Encephalartos altensteinii is naturally found south-eastern South Africa growing in woodlands in open sunny to shaded positions. It is a suckering plant that prefers well-drained, moderately fertile soils with reliable moisture and is drought tolerant but frost tender.

Bread Tree is grown for its foliage and is planted in parks and gardens as a specimen or used around water features for a tropical effect. It is also planted in patio pots and planter boxes and in cold climates it is grown as a glasshouse specimen. It is slow growing and will establish in 4 to 7 years and is long lived. Once established it is very tough and tolerate neglect. ID 671

Note:
The starchy trunks have long been used by the native people as a source of food.

Encephalartos(en-sef-uh-LAR-tos) altensteinii (ahl-ten-STYN-ee-eye)

Zamiaceae (ZAH-mee-AY-see-ee)
Zamias, Cycads Family