Origin and Habitat: Encephalartos whitelockii is endemic to a single location, where it forms one of the largest and most impressive cycad populations in Africa in the Kabarole district of the southwestern part of Uganda (possibly the largest single cycads colony in Africa). Populations occur along the Mpanga river, above and below the Mpanga River Falls, just before it runs into Lake George. The population size of E. whitelockii is estimated to be 8,000 mature individuals. This species has a small extent of occurrence and area of occupancy.
Altitude range: This species is recorded from an altitude of 3,281-4,265 ft (1,000-1,300 m) above sea level.
Habitat and ecology: This species grows on almost sheer granite faces and on rocky slopes, amongst tall grass in savanna. Also occurs in dense evergreen montane forests. Seedlings and small plants are absent from open habitats which may be as a result of too frequent fires, but under forest canopy, prolific regeneration occurs. The seeds are large and have a fleshy outer coat and are desirable to a range of animals. However the unpalatable seed is discarded some distance away from the parent plant in a hospitable environment in which to germinate. The seeds of E. whitelockii are an important food source for baboons. This species is not only pollinated by wind but also by insects or more specifically weevils. To attract pollinators, male and female cones produce powerful odours, usually in the early morning or evening. Travelling between the sexes, the weevils pollinate the plants by inadvertently transferring pollen from the male cones to the receptive ovules of the female cones. Threats to the species includes the construction of a small hydro electric power plant on the Mpanga River Falls, the construction of roads and camps in the cycad belt, causing soil erosion and deep gullies, reducing habitat quality, the reduction in population of mature and young individuals as they are knocked down by heavy machinery and reduction in area of occupancy owing to parts being occupied by weir (reservoir), water canal, and power house. Moreover it is reported that the collection of seed and seedlings for commercial trade may impair the regeneration capacity of the cycad and thus lead to further reduction of its population. Other threads are the cultivation on the slopes of the gorge and clearing of the cycads, harvesting of the cycad leaves for building materials, burning of some areas occupied by the cycad for stimulation of grazing pasture. Geographically E. whitelockii occurs closest to Encephalartos ituriensis, but these species are separated by the Rift Valley, which probably represents a strong isolating factor.

Cultivation and Propagation: As a garden subject, Encephalartos whitelockii is one of the most spectacular of all cycad species. The seedlings grow rapidly, developing into an attractive garden plant with 3 ft (1 m) long leaves in four to five years. This is one of the fastest growing cycads and responds well to cultivation provided it has a well-drained soil, frost-free conditions and regular watering during the dry months. It is an adaptable plant well suited to subtropical climates. It can be grown in full sun without its leaves burning. When young they can be grown as a container plant and eventually transplanted into the garden. As a garden plant, this cycad will usually hold two or three crowns of leaves, all in good condition.
Growing rate: It is a very vigorous grower. Needs a large garden due to its size.
Soils: It prefer well drained, gritty soil with plenty of water, especially in dry weather.
Transplanting: This species transplants easily as a mature plant, although it is recommended to remove all of the leaves before doing so. This makes for easier handling and the plant will recover sooner due to less moisture loss.
Waterings: In cultivation prefers moist soil with good drainage for optimal growth. But it is eventually drought resistant. Irrigation systems can be detrimental to cycads, damaging the leaves and stems from the pressure of the water as well as over-watering.
Fertilization: Naturally undemanding for nutrients, it responds very well to regular applications of fertilizer. Growth can be greatly improved through the application of fertilizers. Most growers find that a fertilizer having an even NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) balance, and supplemental trace elements, provides a good start for cycads.
Exposure: It thrives and grows best in full sun or partial shade.
Wind tolerance: It prefers a sheltered position providing protection from the prevailing winds.
Hardiness: Frost sensitive (USDA zones 10-12) .
Propagation: It may be propagated by seeds. They are among the easiest plants to germinate.