Macrozamia communis

Macrozamia communis is both biologically close to cycads and physically similar to palm trees. Surviving from ancient geological times, this plant is still relatively uncommon in our gardens despite its undeniable exotic charm and its superior cold resistance compared to Cycas revoluta. It slowly forms a thick, rough, short trunk, bearing a crown of long, slightly arched leaves that are graceful like feathers, and divided into very fine leaflets with a glossy grey-green colour.  It can be grown in the ground wherever temperatures rarely fall below -8°C (17.6 °F). This Macrozamia will also thrive in a large pot that can be stored indoors during colder winters.

Macrozamia communis belongs to the Zamiaceae family, which includes around 238 species native to tropical and warm temperate regions of Africa, Australia, and South America. It is a very ancient botanical family with evident archaic characteristics. This species is native to Southeast Australia, more specifically the Eucalyptus forests of New South Wales. In the wild, this plant can form large colonies of plants. Its resistance to cold is estimated at -8/-10°C (17.6/14 °F) for mature subjects.  The foliage is burned at -5°C (23 °F), but the stump is capable of regrowth in spring if it has been protected by mulch. It is a dioecious plant, with distinct male and female plants. All parts of the plant are toxic if eaten.

Under our climates, this plant will rarely exceed 2m (6 ft 7 in) in all directions. Its growth is slow to very slow depending on the growing conditions.  Anchored to a partially underground thickened, woody caudiciform stem, Macrozamia communis develops over time a short stipe, a kind of false trunk with a rough ochre to brown texture, displaying leaf scars. The evergreen foliage, arranged in a concentric rosette, grows at the top of the stipe. The intensely pinnate leaves are quite flexible and measure 1m (3 ft 4 in) to 1.50m (4 ft 11 in) in length and 40cm (15.7 in) in width at maturity.  These are divided into countless tough and glossy linear leaflets, tarnishing with age, with a slightly swollen base. 

Flowering occurs in summer, after many years of cultivation in the ground, and is very rare in plants grown in pots. The inflorescences appear in the centre of the crown. They take the form of cylindrical green-brown cones, resembling pineapples, measuring 20 to 45cm (7.9 to 17.7 in) in length and covered with scales with spines. The female cones release large light and vivid red seeds when ripe.

Macrozamia communis prefers partial shade and well-drained, humus-rich, and rather moist soil. In the ground, it can be placed in an exotic setting, for example, near a swimming pool, alongside a small palm tree, dwarf banana trees, or small bamboo. However, this plant will reach its full potential when planted on its own. In a contemporary garden, it can be placed above a bed of white pebbles. It will make a magnificent specimen in a conservatory, on a patio or balcony or planted in a carefully chosen large container.