Encephalartos

Encephalartos is a genus of cycad native to central and southern Africa. None are naturally occurring on any other continent. The highest concentration of species is in South Africa. All species of Encephalartos are considered rare and are very sought-after by collectors. Happily, most species will grow easily in most parts of New Zealand.

The majority of these species like part-shade to full sun and most are water conserving and therefore quite easy to grow, if slow. Commonly referred to as bread trees or bread palms, the genus name is derived from the Greek words en (within), kephalē (head), and artos (bread), referring to the use of the pith within to make food. 

As gymnosperms, the plants have male and female reproductive structures in their cones and are dioecious, meaning that male and female cones are borne on separate individuals. In evolutionary terms, they are some of the most primitive living gymnosperms on the planet.