Zamia furfuracea

Zamia furfuracea is probably the second most common Cycad and is sometimes available at common big chain nurseries.  This species originates from Veracruz, Mexico.

This was the second type of Cycad I acquired and it came in a grouping of three plants in the pot.  I immediately separated the caudexes as this plant can become quite unruly looking in my opinion when allowed to grow in close proximity to the same species.

Pictured above is the first of the smaller plants removed from the main root ball.  This one received quite a bit of damage to root system during separation but is recovering nicely.  The caudex is about five to six inches in diameter.  The green leaves show here nearly all died off but the new set survived and are continuing to grow.

The second plant removed from the cluster was the smallest, having a caudex of roughly 4.5 inches in diameter.  This plant started its growth further from the other two and was much easier to remove its roots from the bunch.  This plant is now growing nicely with these and the next set of leaves is coming along nicely. 

As you can see from the picture below, a new set of leaves first grows out from the caudex brown in color and covered in a fur like surface.  This color gradually fades to green and the fuzz falls away as the leaves mature.

 

Below is a closer look at the caudex of this species and the base of the stems.  Notice how this species of Cycad does not have thorns like the common Cycas revoluta on the stems, but rather small somewhat dull nubs.

t