This cycad has a trunk that is primarily underground emerging slowly with a crown of arching divided dark green fronds. It produces yellow male and female cones on separate plants in the crown of the leaves durting summer and followed by red seeds.

Hardiness zones 10 to 12 

Encephalartos villosus is naturally found South Africa to Swaziland growing in dry open forest to scrubland and on rocky slopes. 

It prefers a well drained organic rich soil that is tending acidic in a semi shaded to full sun protected position but will tolerate an exposed site and is frost and drought tender. 

This cycad is grown for its foliage and is planted in the understorey of a tropical garden as a specimen. It establishes in 4 to 6 years and is long lived. It is suitable for coastal and low mountain regions and is used on embankments and in large planter boxes around courtyards. ID 2973

Encephalartos (en-sef-uh-LAR-tos) villosus (vill-O-sus)

Zamiaceae (ZAH-mee-AY-see-ee)
Zamias, Cycads Family