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Products > Encephalartos natalensis   Encephalartos natalensis - Natal Giant Cycad    [2nd Image] Habit and Cultural Information Category: Cycad Family: Cycadaceae (Cycads) Origin: South Africa (Africa) Evergreen: Yes Flower Color: NA Bloomtime: Infrequent Height: 15-20 feet Width: Clumping Exposure: Full Sun Drought Tolerant: Yes Irrigation (H2O Info): Low Water Needs Winter Hardiness: 25-30° F Encephalartos natalensis (Natal Giant Cycad) - This tall cycad can have stems of up to 6 m by 40 cm across. It is usually solitary, but can grow in clumps up to 11 stems. Cones are yellow with red seeds, female plants have 3-4 cones per stem, males have slightly smaller cones with 4-5 on each stem. Young leaves have white silky hairs maturing into large 1-3M x 30-40 cm glossy green leaves. No other Encephalartos have such a wide variation in foliage and cone sizes, at least seven forms can be distinguished. It takes full sun, has low water needs, and is hardy to about 25 degrees F.  The description above is based on our research and observations of this plant growing in our nursery and in our own and other Santa Barbara gardens. We would appreciate hearing from anyone who has additional information or disagrees with what we have written.     [MORE INFO]