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Perennials, Tropicals > Zamia > Zamia pumila > Zamia pumila

Zamia pumila


Coontie, Florida Arrowroot




Origin:  Native to central and southern Florida.
Family
Zamiaceae
Genus
Zamia
Species
pumila
Category
Perennials, Tropicals
Type
Shrub (evergreen)
Canadian Hardiness Zone
Requires cold season protection under glass.
Height
Trunk grows to 3–25 cm high, The leaves are 60–120 cm
Photographs
Description and Growing Information
Flowering Period
JulyAugust
Cultivation
Grow best with some shade to full sun and grows on a well-drained soil with a light, organic cover.
Habitat
Plants grow in dry, sandy pinelands and hammocks. Rarely occurs in sandy coastal dunes.
Bark/Stem Description
Short, woody stem, fern-like plant is almost completely underground and produces a terminal crown of stiff.
Leaf Description
Dark green fronds, evergreen, pinnate leaves up to 1 metre long.
Flower Description
Flowers unisexual, dioecious, brown, and fleshy.
Fruit Description
Red to orange seed 12-13 cm long.
Notable Specimens
Bok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America.
Propagation
Can be propagated from seed.
Ethnobotanical Uses (Disclaimer)
Native American tribes used the fruit and roots of Coontie for food. The starchy stems and roots were the main source of flour for many indigenous people of central and southern Florida. The roots of Coontie are toxic when taken internally, without sufficient preparation.
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