Cycas armstrongii – Zamia Palm
A stunning cycad native to the Northern Territory, this species is best suited to tropical and inland regions with a warm and dry climate. In colder regions, the plant will lose its leaves in winter, but regrow in the warm seasons. While the plant is dormant it is at a high risk of rotting if overwatered. Grows naturally in sandy soils, and a sunny aspect in well drained soil is best for cultivation.
The leaves are poisonous to animals, and the seeds also contain a poison, but are soaked by Aboriginal people to remove the poison before cooking them.
Propagated by seed, seedlings grow very slowly.
-
- Cycas armstrongii – zamia palm
Picture provided by Philip Clarke, from his new book Discovering Aboriginal Plant Use: Journeys of an Australian Anthropologist
| Family: | Cycadaceae |
| Scientific Name: | Cycas armstrongii |
| Common Name: | Zamia Palm |
| Plant Type: | Small tree, Large tree |
| Height: | 1 ~ 4 metre |
| Width: | 2 ~ 3 metres |
| Flower Colour: | Brown |
| Flowering Time: | All year |
| Ph Level: | Neutral |
| Soil Type: | Sandy, Sandy loam |
| Plant Environment: | Low maintenance garden, Coastal garden, Drought resistant |
| Climate Zone: | Tropical, Sub-tropical, Warm temperate, Semi-arid |
| Light: | Sunny |
| Planting Season: | Spring |
| Growth Habit: | Evergreen, Open foliage, Column-shaped |
| Lifespan: | Perennial |
| Soil Moisture: | Dry, Well-drained |
| Propagation Method: | Seed |
| Frost Tolerance: | Tolerates light frost |
The information provided on the Gardening With Angus website is provided for general educational purposes about a variety of Australian plants. We recommend you seek further advice from qualified professionals regarding your own individual circumstances. Further disclaimer information>>
WHERE TO GET YOUR PLANT
Once you have found the plant that looks right for you, the next step is where to buy it.
Most nurseries stock a good range of plants, but due to space and supplies, they may not always have the plant that you are searching for in stock. If they don’t, they may be able to order it in for you if you request it.
Specialist nurseries are also able to give great advice, and if they don’t have the plant you have planned on, they can often suggest alternatives that will also work well for you.
Below is a list of our favourite specialist nurseries. Click on the links for their details-
The Wildflower Place Erina – NSW
Newcastle Wildflower Nursery – NSW
Harvest Seeds And Native Plant Nursery – Sydney – NSW
Native Grace Nursery – Robertson NSW
Wariapendi Nursery – Colo Vale NSW
Sydney Wildflower Nursery – NSW
Geelong Native Plants – Victoria
Wimmera Native Nursery – Victoria
Forest Heart eco-Nursery – Maleny Queensland
Natives R Us – Traveston – Queensland
Manuka Native Nursery – South Australia
MAIL ORDER NURSERIES –
Angus recommends Bush Tucker fertiliser for native plants.