Ceratozamia

From the cloud forests of Central America

This large cycad, belonging to a near extinct primitive family of plants, grows to 2 m in height with a stem diameter of 30 cm and semi-glossy, pinnate, evergreen leaves (with 100-200 leaflets), which can reach 1.5 – 3 m in length. Ceratozamia robusta was first described in the middle of the 19th century by F.A.W. Miquel, professor, botanist and director of the Utrecht Botanic Garden. His abbreviated name is placed behind the Latin name for this species.

Ecology and habitat

Within the genus Ceratozamia there are many endemic species, which originate from the damp cloud forests of Central America. They grow in the understorey of the rainforest at altitudes of between 800 and 1800 m. Ceratozamia robusta is native to Belize, Guatemala and Mexico.

Threat

Due to population growth and expansion, the rainforests are disappearing, having been claimed for the benefit of agriculture (e.g. banana and coffee plantations), and rendering the species endangered. Planting shade-loving coffee bushes in the forests has partially destroyed the understorey habitat where many Ceratozamia species grow. Within the last 20 years the number of individuals has more than halved. The different populations within its distribution area are very variable. On closer study it will probably appear that there are in fact several species, which make them even more vulnerable. Members of this species are occasionally collected to be sold on as conservatory plants and thus stand on the CITES I list of endangered plants. This aims to stop the trade in wild plants.