I was drawn to this species for its upright habit, strong form, and cardboard-like leaves. It adds textural and structural interest to the shade garden. I used to see Zamia furfuracea frequently in Los Angeles nurseries, and I feel this plant could be more widely used in the Bay Area, as it is versatile to both sun or shade. Zamia pumila (top and bottom left images) has narrower leaflets than Zamia furfuracea (lower right image) and similarly, females produce orange cones.
However, this species does not seem to be widely available here. Zamia pumila can be found on the Monrovia website, but otherwise seems hard to find. Devil Mountain Nursery carries Zamia floridana ‘North Strain' (though it does not have an image), and San Marcos Growers USED to carry Zamia furfuracea. Therefore, I'm not filled with confidence that I could acquire these if I wanted to. Perhaps they can be swapped with the more common Cycas revoluta (Sago Palm).
Zamia spp. is part of a plant palette called 'Parade of Shade.' Click on label/tag to see complete palette.
Details:
Biological Name: Zamia spp.
Common Name: Coontie
Family: Zamiaceae
Origin: West Indies and Cuba
Exposure: Full sun to partial shade*
Irrigation: Low Water Needs
Flower Time: Prized for foliage
* Devil Mountain and San Marcos suggest it can also handle full shade.
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