Encephalartos cupidus

*Encephalartos cupidus*, the Blyde River cycad, is a dwarf, multi-stemmed species with a mostly subterranean stem. Its rigid blue-green leaves make a distinctive focal plant for a sunny garden or a well-drained container. ## Form and setting SANBI describes leaves about 0.5–1 m long, curved downward near the tips, and a stem that usually remains underground. The species occurs on steep slopes, rocky grassland, and open forest in Mpumalanga, and is noted as both frost-hardy and drought-tolerant. Its foliage and compact habit also suit container display. SANBI’s comparison with *E. nubimontanus* describes *E. cupidus* as a small, multi-stemmed plant up to about 1 m tall ([comparison](https://pza.sanbi.org/encephalartos-nubimontanus)). See the [SANBI species account](https://pza.sanbi.org/encephalartos-cupidus); Kew lists the name as accepted in [Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:871775-1). ## Garden placement Plant in full sun and deep, well-drained soil. Water enough to establish new growth, then allow the soil to drain between irrigation; the species is adapted to dry periods and does not need a constantly wet root zone. In a pot, use a tall container with drainage to accommodate the cycad’s root system. ## Maintenance Leave room for basal suckers to develop, or remove them only when propagation or space management calls for it. Watch new leaves for beetle damage and inspect foliage for scale insects. Do not collect plants or seed from the wild; use reputable, lawfully propagated stock.