Encephalartos caffer | Eastern Cape cycad | Kaffir cycad

Encephalartos caffer is a compact, ancient-looking cycad prized for its sculptural form and primitively beautiful texture. Native to the Eastern Cape of South Africa, this slow-growing plant forms a short, often underground stem topped with a crown of stiff, deep green leaves. These leaves curve gracefully, giving the plant a bold silhouette that resembles a living fossil. Its rarity and distinctive appearance make it a striking focal point in arid gardens or collector collections.

Despite its modest size, Encephalartos caffer commands attention with its sharp, glossy leaflets arranged in a tight spiral. The leaflets often bear spiny margins, adding to its wild and untamed aesthetic. In mature specimens, males and females produce unique cone structures, with the female cones being particularly large and dramatic. This plant is incredibly drought-resistant and thrives in harsh conditions, making it both hardy and ornamental.

• Perfect for xeriscaping or drought-tolerant landscapes

• Very slow growth makes it ideal for container cultivation

• Produces bold, prehistoric-looking cones when mature

• Highly sought-after by cycad enthusiasts and collectors

• Native to a limited area, increasing its rarity and value

Encephalartos caffer continues to fascinate gardeners with its combination of ancient elegance, low-maintenance appeal, and sculptural growth pattern. Its survival through millennia adds a story of endurance and evolution to any space.

IMPORTANT: Pictures show plants not for sale, the offer is for a plant with dimension indicated in description.