Additional notes (click to expand)

Horticulture

Endangered species on CITES Appendix I

Toxicity

Toxic due to presence of azoxyglycosides, such as macrozamin and cycasin. Carcinogenic and teratogenic on ingestion .
Professor Anthony Dayan, 2022

Geographical distribution

  • Africa, Southern Africa, Cape Provinces
  • Africa, Southern Africa, KwaZulu-Natal

Encephalartos ghellinckii Lem.

Family: ZAMIACEAE
Genus: Encephalartos
Species: ghellinckii Lem.
Common names: Drakensberg cycad
Distribution summary: South Africa (Natal)
Conservation status (IUCN Red List): Vulnerable
Habit: Cycad
Hardiness: H4 - Hardy; average winter
Habitat: Rocky areas in sparse forests, grassland and open bushland
Garden status: Not currently grown
Reason for growing: Toxic


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