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(Zamia pumila)
Coontie (Zamia pumila)
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Valérie75 assumed
CC BY-SA 3.0
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Valérie75 assumed
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CC BY-SA 3.0
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Photo by: Valérie75 assumed | License Type: CC BY-SA 3.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ | Uploader: Valérie75 | Publisher: Wikimedia Commons | Title: Zamia_pumila_002.jpg | Notes: {{Information |Description={{de|1=Erle in einem Erlenbruch bei Oldenburg. Weibliche (Zapfen) und männliche (Kätzchen) Fruchtstände}} |Source=Eigenes Werk (own work) |Author=[[User:AEngelhardt|AEngelhardt]] |Date=17.08.2008 |Permission= |other_versions= |
Estimated Native Range
Climate Requirements for Hayward, California
| This Plant | Your Site | Plant Suitability for Your Location | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| • Precipitation | 21" - 83" | 16" | Your precipitation may be insufficient for this plant. Irrigate N" / year. | Irrigate N" / year |
| • High Temp. | 72°F - 95°F | 80°F | Your summer temperatures are normal for this plant. | Excellent |
| • Low Temp. | 3°F - 70°F | 41°F | Your winter temperatures are normal for this plant | Excellent |
This plant should grow well at your location with about N inches per year (Y minutes per month) of irrigation.
Summary
Zamia pumila, commonly known as Coontie or Guáyara, is a small, tough, woody cycad native to the understory of coastal pine rocklands, hammocks, and other well-drained sandy habitats in the Caribbean. It is a slow-growing, evergreen perennial herb that can adapt to a range of light conditions, from filtered sunlight to partial shade. Z. pumila typically reaches a height of 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) and spreads 2-4 feet (60-120 cm) wide. Its foliage is fern-like, with a glossy, deep green appearance, adding textural contrast to garden compositions.
Coontie is valued for its resilience and low maintenance, making it suitable for xeriscaping and as a ground cover in subtropical and tropical landscapes. It is also used in rock gardens and as a container plant. In cultivation, it requires minimal water once established and thrives in well-drained sandy or loamy soils. It is tolerant of drought and poor soils but sensitive to overwatering. While Coontie is relatively pest-free, it can be affected by scale insects and root rot if overwatered. It is important to note that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, due to the presence of cycasin.CC BY-SA 4.0
Coontie is valued for its resilience and low maintenance, making it suitable for xeriscaping and as a ground cover in subtropical and tropical landscapes. It is also used in rock gardens and as a container plant. In cultivation, it requires minimal water once established and thrives in well-drained sandy or loamy soils. It is tolerant of drought and poor soils but sensitive to overwatering. While Coontie is relatively pest-free, it can be affected by scale insects and root rot if overwatered. It is important to note that all parts of the plant are toxic if ingested, due to the presence of cycasin.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 1-3 feet
- Width: 3-7 feet
- Growth Rate: Slow
- Flower Color: N/A
- Flowering Season: Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun, Part Shade
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast, Medium
Common Uses
Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Drought Tolerant, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Street Planting
Natural Habitat
Coastal pine rocklands, hammocks, and well-drained sandy habitats
Other Names
Common Names: Guáyara , Coontie Palm , Florida Arrowroot
Scientific Names: Zamia pumila , Zamia pumila subsp. pumila , Zamia debilis , Zamia latifoliolata , Zamia media var. commeliniana , Zamia allison-armourii , Encephalartos pumilus , Palmifolium debile , Palmifolium pumilum , Zamia concinna
GBIF Accepted Name: Zamia pumila L.