General Description

Long-lived subtropical to tropical plant.

Landscape

Temperate gardens as a potted plant where it is grown indoors during the winter months. In more tropical climates it is frequently grown as either a specimen or grouped as a landscape plant.

Cultivation

Grows best in shady areas, but will tolerate full sun. In full sun the leaves may turn yellow. It grows best in moist to well-drained soil. Tolerant to some drought.

Growth

Fast

ID Characteristic

A crown of shiny, arching, palm-like leaves sprout atop a shaggy upright trunk.

Habitat

Rocky areas (eg. inland cliffs, mountain peaks), and forest.

Bark/Stem Description

Woody, underground, height of stems can be up to 1.8 metres.

Flower/Leaf Bud Description

Female cones can be larger than 30 cm. Male cones can exceed 30 cm in length. After being pollinated it takes several months to a year for seeds to become ripe. Ripe seeds generally need another 3-6 months before the embryos are fully developed and ready for planting.

Leaf Description

Leaves are dark green upright and up to 2 m in length. Leaves have thorns at the basal of the petiole.

Flower Description

Male and female flowers found on separate plants.

Fruit Description

Female cones are grey in colour, ovoid-cylindrical, formed around the apex of the stem and turning brown at maturity, male cones are terminal.

Notable Specimens

Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America.

Gregory, T. & Chemnick, J. 2010. Ceratozamia robusta. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010: e.T42144A10666149. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T42144A10666149.en. Downloaded on 08 May 2019.