Zamia pumila: Difference between revisions
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'''Zamia pumila''' | == Zamia pumila == | ||
[[File:Zamia_pumila.jpg|thumb|right|Zamia pumila in its natural habitat]] | |||
'''Zamia pumila''' is a species of [[cycad]] in the family [[Zamiaceae]]. It is native to the [[Caribbean]] and the southeastern [[United States]], particularly in [[Florida]]. This plant is often referred to as the "coontie" or "Florida arrowroot." Zamia pumila is notable for its historical use by indigenous peoples and early settlers for its starchy root, which was processed into a type of flour. | |||
== Description == | == Description == | ||
Zamia pumila is a small, perennial plant with a subterranean stem. The leaves are pinnate, with a length ranging from 0.5 to 1 meter. Each leaf consists of numerous leaflets that are glossy and dark green. The plant is dioecious, meaning that individual plants are either male or female. Male plants produce small, cylindrical cones, while female plants produce larger, oval cones. | |||
== | == Habitat == | ||
[[File:Zamia_pumila.jpg|thumb|left|Close-up of Zamia pumila leaves]] | |||
Zamia pumila thrives in sandy soils and is commonly found in pine rocklands, coastal hammocks, and scrub habitats. It is well adapted to the subtropical climate of its native range, which includes periodic droughts and fires. The plant's ability to resprout from its underground stem after fire makes it a resilient component of its ecosystem. | |||
== Uses == | == Uses == | ||
Historically, the | Historically, the starchy root of Zamia pumila was an important food source for the [[Seminole]] people and early European settlers in Florida. The root was processed to remove toxins and then ground into a flour known as "coontie flour." This flour was used to make bread and other food products. | ||
== Conservation == | == Conservation == | ||
Zamia pumila is considered a species of concern due to habitat loss and overharvesting. Conservation efforts focus on protecting its natural habitats and promoting sustainable harvesting practices. The plant is also cultivated in botanical gardens and used in landscaping for its attractive foliage and drought tolerance. | |||
== | == Related pages == | ||
* [[Cycad]] | |||
* [[Zamiaceae]] | |||
* [[Florida]] | |||
* [[Seminole]] | |||
[[Category: | [[Category:Zamiaceae]] | ||
[[Category: | [[Category:Flora of the Caribbean]] | ||
[[Category:Flora of the Southeastern United States]] | [[Category:Flora of the Southeastern United States]] | ||
Latest revision as of 10:50, 15 February 2025
Zamia pumila[edit]
Zamia pumila is a species of cycad in the family Zamiaceae. It is native to the Caribbean and the southeastern United States, particularly in Florida. This plant is often referred to as the "coontie" or "Florida arrowroot." Zamia pumila is notable for its historical use by indigenous peoples and early settlers for its starchy root, which was processed into a type of flour.
Description[edit]
Zamia pumila is a small, perennial plant with a subterranean stem. The leaves are pinnate, with a length ranging from 0.5 to 1 meter. Each leaf consists of numerous leaflets that are glossy and dark green. The plant is dioecious, meaning that individual plants are either male or female. Male plants produce small, cylindrical cones, while female plants produce larger, oval cones.
Habitat[edit]
Zamia pumila thrives in sandy soils and is commonly found in pine rocklands, coastal hammocks, and scrub habitats. It is well adapted to the subtropical climate of its native range, which includes periodic droughts and fires. The plant's ability to resprout from its underground stem after fire makes it a resilient component of its ecosystem.
Uses[edit]
Historically, the starchy root of Zamia pumila was an important food source for the Seminole people and early European settlers in Florida. The root was processed to remove toxins and then ground into a flour known as "coontie flour." This flour was used to make bread and other food products.
Conservation[edit]
Zamia pumila is considered a species of concern due to habitat loss and overharvesting. Conservation efforts focus on protecting its natural habitats and promoting sustainable harvesting practices. The plant is also cultivated in botanical gardens and used in landscaping for its attractive foliage and drought tolerance.
