Above is a Ceratozamia mexicana in a domestic planting.

Ceratozamia is a genus of cycads from Mexico and Central America.  They are typically lush appearing with prominent green leaves.  Although some tolerate full sun, many prefer filtered light as in their habitat they grow under overhead canopy.  Ceratozamia mexicana, seen above, is sort of a prototype of these genus.  It can have a wide spread with horizontal leaves.  Some species have upright leaves while others have dependent leaves that seem to tumble down toward the ground.  All are quite beautiful.   

Ceratozamia miqueliana is known for its wide leaflets and blue green color.  It is a medium sized plant and never attains much vertical height.  Some feel it is one of the most beautiful Ceratozamia. The picture shown to the right is our mother female.  We presently have seedlings for sale.

This is a photo of the Ceratozamia "el mirador", with it's long thin leaflets.

A picture of the entire plant, Ceratozamia el mirador

Ceratozamia hildae, an interesting species with grouped leaflets and small overall size.  We offer a good selection of this species for sale.

Dioon califanoi, photo by J.O., taken in habitat in Mexico.  This is an extremely old specimen.  This species has somewhat thin leaves and are "keeled" (V-shaped in cross section).  Like many of the Dioons, they are slow growing.  

Dioon califanoi in a domestic planting

Multiple Dioon edule in a public planting  Dioon edule and it's various varieties tend to be very slow growing, like sun and lots of heat and are fairly cold hardy.  People like the crown of leaves because they are not too large.

Dioon mejiae in a public garden

Dioon merolae is a very attractive and slow growing cycad from Mexico.  Its leaves have a silver-green color and the leaflets are gently flexed toward the ground.  Trunks are not to large and a plant with a foot or two of trunk is quite old.  The picture above shows newly emerging soft leaves that with time harden into the stiffer mature leaves.

Dioon merolae at Los Angeles Arboretum

A several century old (by estimate) Dioon merolae in the wild habitat.  Not the winding trunks near the ground.  Photo by J.O.

Encephalartos horridus  This is one of the most sought after cycads that nurseries can provide.  Native to the Republic of South Africa, it is known for its blue color, very lobed and spiney leaflets and unique appearance.  It tolerates full sun along the coastal areas but might need partial protection in the desert.  It is cold tolerant to the low 20 degrees F.  It is very slow growing and in a lifetime won't get much above six or seven feet tall.

Encephalartos horridus  in a garden

You can see that the trunk of this E. horridus is about two feet.  This is extremely large and old for this species..

It's interesting how this species goes nicely with tropical palms but can also look great in a cactus and succulent garden as seen above.

Another striking specimen showing the blue color of Encephalartos horridus.

Enephalartos longifolius is another species of cycad from South Africa.  It grows easily in Southern California and prefers full sun in most areas.  Desert locations may require some sun protection.  The crowns are medium sized as shown, but trunks will eventually get quite large.  There are green and blue forms of this species as shown below.

A grouping of three Encephalartos longifolius in full sun.

As mentioned, there is variation in the color of the leaflets of Encephalartos longifolius.  The plant above definitely demonstrates a more blue color.

This photograph demonstrates the blue color of the leaflets

It is easy to see why this species is so popular when you observe the beautiful display of leaves above.

Macrozamia johnsoni will serve as an example of a genus of cycads that are quite diverse: Macrozamia..  Some are large and some are quite small or subterranian.  M. Johnsoni is a medium to large species and has a very full head of leaves.  They are fairly cold tolerant and need room to spread out.

Stangeria eriopus in a domestic planting.  This is one of the cycads that doesn't look like any other cycads.  Most people think that it is a fern.  It is natively from South Africa and there are two forms of this species.  It can tolerate full sun along the coast or filtered light inland.  It is a small plant and cones at a relatively young age.

Another picture of Stangeria eriopus with its fern-like appearance in a garden.

Zamia skinneri, photo by R.M.

Zamia is a genus of cycads that are endemic in areas from Florida to South America.  The common Cardboard Cycad is a member of this genus.  However, there are many very exotic and beautiful Zamia that leave one almost breathless.  They are the epitome of a rain forest cycad.  The species above, Zamia skinneri, shows what I am talking about.  Most species do not tolerate a freeze and want a protected environment.

This picture by R.M. shows a variety of Zamia skinneri that has red emergent new leaves.

Above is a species that lives epiphytically up in trees in the rain forest.  Zamia pseudoparasitica only uses the tree for support and doesn't hurt the harboring tree.  It's leaves hang downwards as shown in this domestic specimen.  It feeds from the decay of leaf matter, dust and rain.  Photo by R.M.

Zamia kickxii is a Cuban species that is quite dwarfed and very attractive.  It likes filtered light and good drainage.  It does well outdoors in Southern California.

Zamia fairchildeana is a large Zamia species that is quite beautiful.  It has a large crown of leaves and prefers filtered light.  One can see from these photos above that it is quite easy to get excited about the tropical Zamia.