Encephalartos species Lehm.

Bread tree or bread palm

Family: Zamiaceae

This is the largest cycad in the tropical end of the Ravine. The plant is a male and has recently produced two pollen cones (see photos). It is one of the plants that had to remain in the Tropical Ravine during the recent renovation works and was protected by a plastic shelter with special heating.

The genus is native to Africa and is endangered due to over enthusiastic plant collecting and also its use in tribal medicine.