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Description
Zamia Pumila, also known as Coontie or Florida Arrowroot, is a cycad native to southeastern US, the Caribbean, and Mexico. It is a slow-growing, evergreen perennial that can grow up to 3 feet tall and wide. It has a unique appearance with feathery, fern-like leaves that grow in a spiral pattern from the center of the plant. The plant produces a large cone-shaped structure that contains male and female reproductive structures. The plant is dioecious, meaning that individual plants are either male or female.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Cycadophyta |
| Class | Cycadopsida |
| Order | Cycadales |
| Family | Zamiaceae |
| Genus | Zamia |
Appearance
Zamia Pumila has a unique appearance with feathery, fern-like leaves that grow in a spiral pattern from the center of the plant. The leaves are typically 2-4 feet long and are light green in color. The plant produces a large cone-shaped structure that contains male and female reproductive structures. The plant is dioecious, meaning that individual plants are either male or female. The male cones are cylindrical and can grow up to 12 inches long, while the female cones are shorter and more rounded in shape. The plant has a thick, woody stem that can grow up to 6 inches in diameter.
Care Guide
Zamia Pumila is a low-maintenance plant that is easy to care for. It prefers well-draining soil and should be watered regularly, but not overwatered. It can tolerate some drought, but it is important to keep the soil moist during the growing season. Fertilize the plant with a slow-release fertilizer in the spring and summer. The plant prefers full sun to partial shade and can tolerate temperatures down to 25 degrees Fahrenheit. It is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
Zamia Pumila is relatively pest-free, but it can be susceptible to scale insects and mealybugs. These pests can be treated with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. The plant is also susceptible to root rot if overwatered, so it is important to ensure proper drainage. Zamia Pumila is also susceptible to leaf spot and other fungal diseases, which can be treated with a fungicide.
Habitat
Zamia Pumila is native to southeastern US, the Caribbean, and Mexico. It grows in a variety of habitats, including pine rocklands, coastal dunes, and hammocks. The plant is an important food source for the larvae of the Atala butterfly, which is native to Florida.
Question and Answer
Q: Is Zamia Pumila poisonous?
A: Yes, all parts of the plant contain toxins that can cause skin irritation and gastrointestinal distress if ingested.
Q: Can Zamia Pumila be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Zamia Pumila can be grown indoors in a container with well-draining soil and bright, indirect light.
Q: Can Zamia Pumila be propagated from cuttings?
A: Yes, Zamia Pumila can be propagated from cuttings taken from the stem of the plant. The cuttings should be allowed to dry for several days before being planted in well-draining soil.
Q: How long does it take for Zamia Pumila to produce cones?
A: Zamia Pumila typically produces cones after reaching maturity, which can take several years.
Related Plants
- Zamia furfuracea
- Zamia integrifolia
- Zamia floridana
- Zamia pseudoparasitica
References
- “Zamia pumila.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 8 Dec. 2021, http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=a196.
- “Zamia pumila.” University of Florida Center for Aquatic and Invasive Plants. Accessed 8 Dec. 2021, https://plants.ifas.ufl.edu/plant-directory/zamia-pumila/.
- “Zamia pumila.” Flora of North America. Accessed 8 Dec. 2021, http://www.efloras.org/florataxon.aspx?flora_id=1&taxon_id=242101642.
