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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 Summer Dry: 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 of 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 and mature into large 1-3M x 30-40 cm glossy green leaves. No other Encephalartos has 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 information on this page is based on research conducted in our nursery library and from online sources as well as from observations made of this plant as it grows in our nursery, in the nursery's garden and in other gardens that we have observed it in. We also will incorporate comments received from others and always appreciate getting feedback of any kind from those who have additional information, particularly if this information is contrary to what we have written or includes additional cultural tips that might aid others in growing Encephalartos natalensis.     [MORE INFO]