Encephalartos altensteinii is one of the most commonly grown and available species because it is easy and fast-growing. You can find this beauty in our botanical garden here in South Africa. I love their bright yellow, orange or red cones which could be either male or female.
In Kew Gardens in England, you will find a cycad from the 1700s which has a 14' trunk.
Cycads are very adaptable to both arid and humid climates.