Encephalartos latifrons 'Tappes Valley'

Encephalartos latifrons ‘Tappes Valley’ is a named selection of the Albany cycad, a large evergreen cycad with long, recurving fronds and unusually broad, glossy leaflets. [Fairview Nursery lists the Tappes Valley form separately from its Green Hills form](https://fairviewnursery.com/plants/cycads/); species accounts place the species on rocky slopes in South Africa’s Eastern Cape. ## Form and placement Wild plants develop upright trunks and often branch near the base. Their mature fronds arch strongly, with the upper portion curling back and displaying broad, deeply lobed leaflets. Allow room for the crown as the specimen matures; a large container also suits the species and makes sheltered winter care easier. [Kew’s Plants of the World Online](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:297103-1/general-information) accepts E. latifrons as a species and records its Eastern Cape range. ## Growing conditions Grow in full sun to partial shade, using a sharply draining cycad mix with some organic matter. Water moderately and regularly through active growth while keeping roots out of standing water. Natural populations rarely experience frost, so move container plants under cover or protect them when freezing weather threatens. Slow growth is normal; steady feeding, moisture and drainage support healthy new fronds. See the detailed [species cultivation profile](https://succulentes.net/en/cycads/encephalartos/latifrons/). ## Conservation Kew lists this species as Critically Endangered. Choose nursery-propagated stock and never collect plants from wild populations; this rare cycad remains vulnerable to habitat loss and collection pressure. The [Kew profile](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:297103-1/general-information) summarizes its conservation status. ## Maintenance Keep drainage open, adjust watering to warmth and growth, and remove dead leaves carefully. Feed during the active growing season and leave enough clearance for recurving fronds.