Zamia

These tender perennials are from tropical and sub-tropical countries. They resemble Tree Ferns, but produce cones as a Pine tree does. Zamias produce short, bulky, cylindrical trunks that are covered with the stumps of dead leaves. From these grow rosettes of handsome, dark green, leathery, pinnate leaves. Z. pumila is a popular landscape plant that is especially attractive in borders and does best in partial shade. It has several common names such as Arrowroot, Coontie, Comfortroot, Compties, Contis and Seminole Bread. This low-growing plant has an underground stem, its dark, glossy green leaves growing directly from the crown of the stem. The leaves are arching and pinnately compound with an even distribution of rigid leaflets on each side of the rachis. Large, reddish-brown cones are borne near the surface of the soil. Male cones are lance-shaped; female cones are more rounded. Male and female cones are produced on separate plants. This plant was once used by the Seminole Indians as a main source of starch. The root-like stem was chopped into pieces, crushed into powder, washed and strained. The residue was left to dry into yellowish-colored flour. The raw stem is poisonous and should not be eaten.

Pot Cultivation

These plants can be grown outdoors in mild climates only. They grow best in partial shade, in well-drained soil. In cool climates, they need to be grown indoors with a minimum temperature of 55� F. They should be grown in well-drained containers, which are just large enough to hold them, filled with equal parts of peat, sand and loam. Water should be given liberally throughout the summer and the atmosphere should be kept humid by dampening the floor and benches regularly. In the winter, the soil only needs to be moistened when it becomes dry and the atmosphere can be less humid.

Propagation

Fresh seeds can be sown in pans of sandy soil, in the spring or summer. They should be set in a propagating case until they germinate.