in august 2014 thirteen "encephalartos latifrons" cycads were stolen from kirstenbosch botanical gardens in cape town, south africa. the estimated value of all thirteen was at least r200,000 (us18,675). the plants were planted over 100 years ago as part of a research and reproduction program of this particular species of encephalartos that no longer naturally reproduces in the wild. encephalartos is highly valued as a garden or ornamental plant in many parts of the world and it is thought the plants were stolen to be sold on the black market.