South Africa palms and cycads

[Darren Michael]

Hi all, I'm going to be in South Africa this August and would like to see some palms and cycads in habitat (though maybe the cycad question belongs in the "off-topic" category?🙂). For palms there's of course only one option other than P. reclinata and maybe a bit out-of-the-way to make happen, but any suggestions about best spots to see Jubaeopsis? Cycads seem to be pretty widespread in the eastern half of the country, but any recommendations on particular (and reasonably accessible) national parks/reserves? Thanks!

Edited March 31, 2023 by Darren Michael

[edbrown_III]

I went there twice --- visited the Mkambati in southern Natal ---- you can get reservations there as it s an National park 

 

on the way ou will see stands of P. recclinata and Hyphane---- you can see the Rhaphia up in Northern Natal  at Kosi bay and vicinity the  town has lil park with a boardwalk -- that ye can walk through the swamp --- just beautiul   stenochlaena ferns and other lianas

 

at Trichardsdaal ye can see Borassus in a lil park --- not many of these til ye get to VIc Falls 

 

visit Mojadii Kraal in Northern transvaal 000 near Tzaneen ---- the biggest cycad stand I ever saw 

 

I was there in 86 and 91--- so  alot have changed 

 

[necturus]

Not habitat, but you must make it to Kirstenbosch. They had an amazingly tall Jubaeopsis that unfortunately died, but there’s still a nice strand of them. Plus a terrific cycad collection.

I’ve not been out in habitat much except on safari near Krueger, but the P. reclinata forest near Vic Falls is also great. 

[Darren Michael]

Edbrown and necturus, thanks! I'll keep those in mind!