Encephalartos tegulaneus

Encephalartos tegulaneus is a large Kenyan cycad with an upright, usually unbranched trunk and a crown of long, stiff leaves. Its scale suits a spacious subtropical garden or a large conservatory planting, where the strong silhouette can be appreciated. Kew’s [species profile](https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:871784-1/general-information) describes a tree to 10 m tall with leaves 1–2 m long and records its native range in Kenya. ## Form and placement The trunk is generally single and may reach about 1 m across. Each pinnate leaf carries leathery leaflets with spiny teeth near their bases. The species has separate male and female plants, which produce large cones; it is grown for its evergreen form and presence rather than flowers. Kew recognizes two subspecies, so the exact form should be confirmed when a plant is sold under a more specific name. ## Siting and water Kew recommends a moist but well-drained, frost-free position in either full sun or shade. Keep the root zone evenly supplied with moisture while allowing excess water to drain away. Seedlings grow slowly; established plants grow more quickly after about five years. Provide a warm site with space for the leaves and trunk to develop. ## Maintenance Protect from frost and waterlogging, and remove only dead leaves. Inspect the base and crown as the plant grows so its mature spread remains clear of paths and nearby plants.