Cycads or Encephalartos are prehistoric plants that have survived for over than 280 million years. The plant resembles a cross between a palm and a fern but cycads belong to a completely different plant group. They have a cylindrical and woody trunk with a crown of large, hard and stiff evergreen leaves. The leaves are in the form of a birds feather. Plants vary in size from only a few centimetres to several meters tall. Cycads produce no flowers and cannot be used as timber. Their uniqueness lies in their leaves and the shape of the plant.

Cycads are found across the subtropical part of the world – with sixty five different species found in South Eastern Africa alone. Cycads species are capable of growing in dry and wet conditions, in sand or fertile soils.

The plant grows very old, as much as 1000 years, but extremely slowly (hence the high prices they command). The seeds can be toxic to both animals and human beings. The plant is either male or female and pollination is triggered by a particular scent that attracts pollinators to move pollen from the male to the female cones.

South Africa is blessed with 38 Cycad species, a number of which are extinct in the wild, or are critically endangered, endangered, vulnerable or threatened. Cycads face mass extinction in South Africa due to illegal harvesting, habitat destruction, unlawful trading and the use of the plants in traditional practices.

Cycads are protected by both national and provincial legislation. Various permits are needed for any activity that relates to Cycads such as possession, transport, growing, buying or selling.

The threat to Cycads is internationally recognised in terms of the convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Life and Flora (CITES).

The National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) provides the framework for the environmental rights of all SA citizens and sets the principles for the protection of Cycads in SA.

The National Environmental Management Biodiversity Act (NEMBA) regulates the cycad trade, gives effect to CITES, provides for a Scientific Authority (SANBI), administers the right to publish a list of endangered Cycads and set the penalties for violation of the Act.

The Threatened or Protected Species Regulation (TOPS) regulates the permit system in line with the NEMBA act.

Each province has their own Environmental Act in which the protections and rules and regulations are set out.

Because cycads are protected by the national and provincial legislation, as a buyer you must ensure that you know where your plants come from and that you have a permit for owning the plant. Various permits are needed for any activity that relates to cycads such as possession, transport, growing, buying or selling.

When purchasing plants from the Cycad Specialists:

• We can apply for the owner permits on your behalf
• We have 15 years of experience in cycad growing, propagating and selling
• We can advise on the planting and treatment of your cycads
• We can assist in finding the plant and species your require