Zamia

Zamia is a genus of cycad of the family Zamiaceae, containing around 50 species, native to North, Central and South America. Species occur as far north as Georgia in the United States to as far south as Bolivia.

The genus comprises deciduous shrubs with aerial or subterranean circular stems, often superficially resembling palms. They produce spirally arranged, pinnate leaves which are pubescent, at least when young, having branched and simple, transparent and coloured hairs. The articulated leaflets lack a midrib, and are broad with subparallel dichotomous venation. Lower leaflets are not reduced to spines, though the petioles often have prickles. The emerging leaves of many Zamia species are striking, some emerging with a reddish or bronze cast. Zamia picta is even more distinctive, being the only truly variegated cycad.

Zamia sporophylls are born in vertical rows in cones, and the megasporophyll apices are faceted or flattened, not spinose. The fleshy seeds are subglobular to oblong or ellipsoidal, and are red, orange, yellow or rarely white. The endosperm is haploid, derived from the female gametophyte. The embryo is straight, with two cotyledons that are usually united at the tips and a very long, spirally twisted suspensor.

The sperm of the genus are large, as is typical of cycads, and Zamia roezlii is an example; its sperm are approximately 0.4 mm long and can be seen by the unaided eye.

All the species of Zamia produce leafy crowns of foliage that make them choice garden specimens and most varieties branch heavily in age to produce handsome clumps. With a few exceptions, most Zamia species are found in warm, humid, tropical rainforest habitats, growing in the forest understory. However, many species are still fairly adaptable, performing quite well in cultivation, especially in subtropical areas. All species need good drainage and protection from the cold.

At least one species, Z. pseudoparasitica, grows as an epiphyte in the branches of trees.

The name Zamia comes from the Greek azaniae, meaning "a pine cone".


Species
Zamia acuminata is a species of plant in the Zamiaceae family. It is found in Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Panama. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Zamia boliviana is a species of plant in the Zamiaceae family. It is endemic to Bolivia.

Zamia encephalartoides is a species of plant in the Zamiaceae family. It is endemic to Colombia. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Zamia fairchildiana is a species of plant in the Zamiaceae family. It is found in Costa Rica and Panama. Its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests and subtropical or tropical moist montanes. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Zamia fischeri is a species of plant in the Zamiaceae family. It is endemic to Mexico. It is threatened by habitat loss.

Zamia furfuracea, commonly known as Cardboard Palm, is a cycad native to southeastern Veracruz state in eastern Mexico.

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