On average, potted plants are expected to live about 2 to 5 years, which makes the Eastern Cape giant cycad (Encephalartos altensteinii) at the Kew gardens in London so spectacular. Deemed the oldest container plant in the world, this South African native arrived at Kew in 1775. What is an Eastern Cape Giant Cycad? Looking like a cross between a tree and a fern, Cycads are some of the oldest living flora species on the planet. The crown is made up of whorls of leathery, palm-like leaves. The non-branching trunk is formed as the plant grows and sheds leaves. The specimen at Kew is over 13 feet tall (4 m.). Its trunk leans to the side and must be braced as it can no longer support the weight of itself. The Cycad genus has been around since the age of dinosaurs. Once an abundant and widespread plant, all species of […]
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