Macrozamia moorei

Macrozamia moorei is a very beautiful exotic plant that is sometimes called Moore's Cycas, as it is related to Cycas. Although not very hardy, it is sought after by collectors for its stout palm-like appearance and its lush fountain-like foliage. This species forms a stout and rough trunk after many years, bearing a beautiful crown of long, slightly arched leaves that are intensely divided into very fine and prickly leaflets of a blue-green colour. It can only be grown in the ground in regions where temperatures rarely fall below -5°C (23 °F).  It should be planted in a well-draining soil, dry in winter, with the crown is protected with winter covering. This large Macrozamia can also thrive in a large pot, but should be stored indoors during colder regions.

Macrozamia moorei belongs to the family Zamiaceae, which includes about 238 species native to tropical and warm temperate regions of Africa, Australia, and South America. It is a very ancient botanical family, showing primitive characteristics. This species is native to central Queensland in Australia, where it is found in rather arid areas, on rocky and poor terrain. Its can withstand the cold as low as -6°C (21.2 °F) for mature subjects: but the foliage can be scorched at -3°C (26.6 °F).  The stump is likely to regenerate in spring if it has received good winter protection. Macrozamia is a dioecious plant, meaning that there are separate male and female plants.  All parts of the plant are toxic if eaten.

In cultivation, this plant will rarely exceed 3.50m (11 ft 6 in) in all directions, even less if the plant is grown in a pot. Its growth is slow to very slow depending on the growing conditions. Anchored on a partially underground caudex with the upper part visible above the ground, the common Macrozamia develops  a short and thick stipe over time, a sort of brownish false trunk with a rough texture, showing leaf scars. The interior of the trunk is composed of spongy tissue rich in starch. At the top, the foliage develops, assembled into a large spherical crown. The foliage is evergreen throughout the year. The intensely pinnate leaves, initially supple and then trailing, measuring 1.50m (4 ft 11 in) to 2m (6 ft 7 in) in length, are divided into 100 to 250 carinate, leathery, and glossy leaflets. They are carried by a spiny petiole. The roots of Macrozamia moorei associate with numerous soil microorganisms, fungi, and bacteria, in order to tolerate the difficult soils that are suitable for it, both poor and dry.

Flowering occurs in summer, after many years of cultivation (10 to 15 years), and is rather rare in our climates. The inflorescences appear in the center of the crown. They take the form of green-brown cylindrical cones, resembling pineapples. The female cones release large winged seeds when ripe, of a light and vivid red colour.

Macrozamia moorei prefers partial shade and requires a well-draining soil, that is dry in winter. It is better adapted to the Mediterranean coast and can withstand drought once established. In the ground, it can be placed in an exotic-inspired setting, not far from a swimming pool for example, along with a small palm tree, dwarf banana trees, or small bamboos. However, this plant will reach its potential as a specimen. Plant it in a contemporary garden over a tide of white pebbles. It will make a magnificent specimen in a conservatory, in a temperate greenhouse, on the patio, or balcony or planted in a carefully chosen large container.