Zamia pumila

Zamia pumila, also known as the coontie, Florida arrowroot, or cardboard palm, is a type of cycad native to the Southeastern United States and the Caribbean. It is the only cycad that is native to the United States.

Description

The Zamia pumila is a small, usually unbranched, evergreen shrub. The leaves are pinnate (feather-like), 50–100 cm long, with 5-30 pairs of leaflets. Each leaflet is linear to lanceolate or oblong-obovate, 8–25 cm long and 1–3 cm broad, entire, and often falcate (sickle-shaped). The plants are usually dioecious, with the male and female cones on separate plants, but occasionally monoecious. The male cones are cylindrical, 5–10 cm long and 1-1.5 cm broad; the female cones are oblong-ovoid, 3–7 cm long and 2–3 cm broad.

Distribution and habitat

Zamia pumila is found in a variety of natural habitats in Florida, the Caribbean, and the Bahamas, including pine rocklands, hardwood hammocks, and coastal dunes. It is adapted to grow in well-drained, sandy soils and is tolerant of drought and salt spray.

Uses

Historically, the roots of Zamia pumila were used by the Seminole people to produce a type of flour known as Florida arrowroot. The plant is also used in landscaping due to its resistance to drought and salt spray.

Conservation

Zamia pumila is listed as a threatened species in Florida due to habitat loss from urban development and illegal harvesting for the horticultural trade. Conservation efforts are focused on protecting existing populations and restoring its natural habitat.