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| Division: Cycadophyta |
| Class: Cycadopsida |
| Order: Cycadales |
| Family: Stangeriaceae |
| Genus: Stangeria |
| Species: S. eriopus |
Conservation Status: |
S. eriopus
Stanger’s CycadStangeria eriopus is a slow-growing perennial which lives to a great age. The body of the plant consists of a large tuberous root which is swollen and carrot-shaped. The upper portion is the stem which branches and can form up to 10 heads. Each growing point of the stem produces one leaf at a time.
When young, the leaf is rolled up at the tip (circinate) and fern-like, varying in length from 0.25-2 m depending on the habitat. A single cone is produced on each growing point. Cones seem to be produced throughout the year and are 100-250 x 30-40 mm.
Male and female cones are borne on separate plants. The male cone is cylindrical and tapers at the apex. The female cone, 180 x 80 mm, is egg-shaped with a rounded tip.
The binomial name comes from the Greek prefix erio-, meaning (woolly), and suffix -pus, (footed), referring to the woolly petiole bases. It was named in honour of William Stanger, a former surveyor-general of Natal. Common names includes Natal Grass Cycad, Hottentots Head, Stangers cycad, Natal grass cycad (Eng.); bobbejaankos (Afr.); Imfingo (Zulu); Umfingwani (Xhosa) and Stangeria.
Cultivation:
From a gardening point of view, Stangeria is a most attractive plant with its large fern-like leaves, and is an ideal plant for shady gardens. They are long-lived and require little maintenance once established. Stangeria is also an ideal pot plant provided they are planted in a large container which provides plenty of room for root development. Restricting root development retards the growth of the plant and it tends to struggle.
This species does best in shady areas in a well-drained soil. Planted in a group of three or five will create an attractive large group featuring their large, fern-like leaves.
When planting a group of Stangeria, space them one meter apart, adding plenty of mature compost and bone meal in the hole before planting. To maintain a healthy plant, regular feeding is essential. A 50-mm layer of well-matured compost applied as a mulch in the autumn helps to improve the soil and benefits the plants. In early spring apply a mixture of bone-meal, organic fertilizer and a balanced inorganic fertilizer to each plant.
High-pressure irrigation systems which produce a strong jet of water will destroy those beautiful leaves; rather use an irrigation system which provides a gentle application of water.
The only pests which I have encountered that are detrimental to Stangeria are mealy bugs. They need to be sprayed with a systemic insecticide.
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| full sun | dark green | low watering | slow growth | frost-sensitive | common |
From a gardening point of view, Stangeria is a most attractive plant with its large fern-like leaves, and is an ideal plant for shady gardens. They are long-lived and require little maintenance once established. Stangeria is also an ideal pot plant provided they are planted in a large container which provides plenty of room for root development. Restricting root development retards the growth of the plant and it tends to struggle.
This species does best in shady areas in a well-drained soil. Planted in a group of three or five will create an attractive large group featuring their large, fern-like leaves.
When planting a group of Stangeria, space them one meter apart, adding plenty of mature compost and bone meal in the hole before planting. To maintain a healthy plant, regular feeding is essential. A 50-mm layer of well-matured compost applied as a mulch in the autumn helps to improve the soil and benefits the plants. In early spring apply a mixture of bone-meal, organic fertilizer and a balanced inorganic fertilizer to each plant.
High-pressure irrigation systems which produce a strong jet of water will destroy those beautiful leaves; rather use an irrigation system which provides a gentle application of water.
The only pests which I have encountered that are detrimental to Stangeria are mealy bugs. They need to be sprayed with a systemic insecticide.
Available S. eriopus at Africa Cycads: