Macrozamia – Cycads
Macrozamia are a group of Australian Native Cycads perhaps underused in landscaping in Australia, but with some outstanding plants well suited to our climate. Popular species include Macrozamia communis which is a hardy species from the coastal areas of New South Wales, it will reach 2-3m sometimes with split, or double trunks, large cones are a feature. One of the more widely used native cycads.
Macrozamia species
- M. moorei is the largest, reaching 5 – 7 m and resembling a small ‘date palm’ but we think it is more attractive. A large trunk and very attractive foliage that weeps down over the trunk with age. M. moorei is suited to growing in containers, an excellent feature plant. Read more about Macrozamia moorei……
- M. flexuosa is another small growing species with twisted leaves, from the central coast of NSW this one is closely related to Macrozamia pauli-guilielme.
- M. pauli-guilielme is an interesting small growing species from South East Queensland, often referred to as the ‘Pineapple cycad’ as the cones that appear look like ‘pineapples’. The foliage is fine and twisted, endangered in its natural habitat this is a much neglected species.
- M. macdonnellii from the Macdonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory.
- M. spiralis from areas around Sydney. Another fascinating species with a growth habit that leads to slightly twisting habit in the fronds.
- M. miquelii from the coastal forests of southern Queensland. Not as widely used as some others, this is species that has a future as a landscaping plant if properly promoted. Although classed as a medium sized cycad, it will still reach 2m in height over time.
- M. riedlei also known as the Zamia Palm. From Western Australia. With a stiffly upright growth habit the foliage is a mid to deep green however with a slight blue look to it as with many cycads. Seed cones are a re large and form in the center of the plant at the base.
- M. stenomera a small species from NSW. The foliage is perhaps the most intense blue of any of the cycads. It is very rare in cultivation
Propagation
All macrozamia can be grown from seed.
Macrozamia species are available for sale from the following suppliers.
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PARADISE DISTRIBUTORS – 07 5441 5921
EUDLO CYCAD GARDENS 321 Ilkley Rd Eudlo 4554 – Ph: 1800 072 999
6 acres of landscaped rockeries, 3000 cycads on display, 200 species, encephalartos specialist, Australia’s largest cycad range. Also aloes, agaves, euphorbia’s, cactus, palms, yuccas & succulents.Visit by appointment.