This cycad has a suckering trunk that is primarily underground emerging slowly with a crown of arching divided dark green fronds, forming a clump. It has reddish male and yellowish female cones on separate plants during summer followed by red seeds.

Hardiness zones 9  to 11

Encephalartos ferox is naturally found in South Africa in coastal regions from Mozambique to northern Natal growing in shaded dune forest margins or scrubland up to 50 m (164 ft) from the beach. 

It prefers a very well-drained, poor to moderately fertile deep sandy loam with a pH range from 5.6 to 7.8 and grows in an open to expose semi-shaded to sunny humid position, and it is moderately drought tolerant but frost tender.

Zululand Cycad is grown for its spreading foliage and its colourful cones. It is planted in parks and gardens as a lawn specimen or in group plantings around a water feature for a tropical effect. It is also grown in large planter boxes or tubs and planted along pathways.

It is suitable for coastal regions tolerating salt laden winds and establishes in 4-6 years and is long-lived. This cycad is commonly planted in commercial landscapes requiring little care once established and is ideal as an understory plant in a rainforest-like garden. ID 3814

Encephalartos (en-sef-uh-LAR-tos) ferox (FER-oks)
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Zamiaceae (ZAH-mee-AY-see-ee)
Zamias, Cycads Family