Danie Nel owns and managers the Cycad Centre in Umlaas, an hour's drive away from central Durban.
At the end of the short dirt road that leads to the pink-stained walls of the centre, you will find Nel with warm disposition and yummy carrot cake. Nel, who is also the chairman of the KwaZulu-Natal Cycad Society, disseminates a wealth of information on the prickly plants as he takes you through the grounds, home to about 800 cycads.
If you're a fan you'll be thrilled to see the variety of cycads Nel has nurtured over the years, ranging in price from R10 to the R10 000 Woodii.
There is the very rare Natalenis or ram's horn, which snakes towards the sky; as well as Inopinus, Eugenemaraisii, Middelburgensis and Laevolius - all fanned out but with distinctly different colouring and shape.
Gardening enthusiasts will be enthused by Nel's propagation system, as he takes pecan-shaped seeds through to plants.
Not only are there cycads from all around the world - from places such as Madagascar to Japan and America - but many other interesting plants to see, such as the giant mother-in-law's cushion, which is a round and pokey cactus; as well as Tibetan lilies, Mandela's gold and the medicinal aloe ferox.
You may buy cycads at a fair price from this international exporter, who will provide you with a permit as well.
(Nel says it's important that cycad owners understand the new law, which in effect states that a large cycad planted on a property belongs to the property and not the homeowner, and therefore in the event of a move may not be taken or sold.)
The Cycad Centre is open from 8am to 5pm, seven days a week. To find out more call 033 251 0478.
How to get there:
Take the N3 to Pmb
Take Exit 61 (the Umlaas/ Richmond Rd turnoff
At the horseshoe bend turn right on to the R56 to Richmond
Drive 4km - on the right you will see the Cycad Centre behind a pink wall.