Thunberg's cycad

Encephalartos longifolius is a low-growing palm-like cycad in the family Zamiaceae. It is endemic to South Africa and is commonly known as the breadpalm or broodboom.

Encephalartos longifolius in the Baviaans Kloof Habitat photo 2 - Baviaanskloof References & Acknowledgements * 1985. Kemp, M. Focus on Encephalartos longifolius. More

Encephalartos longifolius growing in the wild. Encephalartos longifolius and E. caffer were the first cycads to be scientifically recorded in South Africa as long ago as 1772. During a trip to the Eastern Cape, Swedish botanist, Carl Peter Thunberg, accompanied by Francis Masson, came across E. longifolius growing in the Langkloof. Description The stems, which are mostly erect, can reach a height of 4.5 m. More