|
 This
is a genus of palm-like plants called cycads. They are distributed
through the West Indies, throughout Florida and Georgia in the USA,
Mexico, Colombia and other parts of South America. Cycads grow in
sandy coastal areas, on rocky cliff faces and under canopies of
trees. There are thought to be about 60 species, although the genus
is in need of revision as a number of species are as yet undescribed.
They usually have a short subterranean or above-ground trunk, and
longz arching fronds divided into leaflets. The leaflets are usually
flat and smooth; some have toothed or serrated margins and appear
fern-like. Male and female cones are borne on different plants and
vary in shape. The stems in some species have been used as a source
of edible starch.
Hardiness zone from 10 To 12
Plant Spread From approx. 60 To 120 cm
Plant Height approx. 30 cm
Cultivation: These cycads are generally suited to a wide range of
climates, but grow best in the tropics and subtropics. Some will
tolerate alkaline soils and a few are marginally frost tolerant; the
remainder are frost tender. Grow in full sun or part-shade in
well-drained soil; water liberally during growth and sparingly at
other times. They make excellent container plants. Propagate in
spring from fresh seed after removing the fleshy outer covering. |
