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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.  Information displayed on this page about  Encephalartos natalensis is based on the research conducted about it in our library and from reliable online resources. We also note those observations we have made of this plant as it grows in the nursery's garden and in other gardens, as well how crops have performed in our nursery field. We will incorporate comments we receive from others, and welcome to hear from anyone who may have additional information, particularly if they share any cultural information that would aid others in growing it.     [MORE INFO]