How to identify Coontie (Zamia integrifolia)
Coontie is characterized by its shrub-like appearance with a robust underground stem. It is adorned with sturdy, pinnate leaves that are vibrant green in color. Each leaf can reach up to 3 feet (about 1 meter) in length. The foliage tends to form a crown-like structure, radiating from the center of the plant. This species displays a resilience to drought and has adapted to thrive in sandy, well-drained soils. The growth pattern of coontie involves a cyclical replacement of its leaves, contributing to its unique aesthetic in the plant world.
Lifespan: Perennial
Plant Type: Shrub
Leaf Type: Evergreen
Pinnate leaves, up to 3 feet (1 meter) long, radiate from center, vibrant green.
Male cones cylindrical, 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm), female cones 4-8 inches (10-20 cm).
Distinctive orange-yellow to reddish broad seeds, 1/2 to 1 inch (1.27-2.54 cm) long.
Fern-like, pinnately divided leaves, 10-50 inches (25-127 cm) long, glossy bright green.
Thick, rough cylindrical stem, up to 1 foot (30 cm) long, minimal branching, camouflaged.
The leaves of coontie are fern-like and pinnately divided, ranging from 10 to 50 inches (25 to 127 cm) in length. Each leaf consists of 5 to 30 glossy, bright green leaflets that are linear to lanceolate in shape with pointed tips. The texture is leathery, and the leaflet margins are smooth. The prominent midrib runs through the center of each leaflet, with parallel veining extending to the edges, giving the leaves a robust and structured appearance.
Coontie does not produce flowers in the traditional sense. Instead, it forms reproductive structures called cones. These cones are usually found at the base of the plant, with male and female cones being separate. Male cones are cylindrical, typically yellow to orange, and about 3-6 inches (7.5-15 cm) in length. Female cones are larger, more rounded, and green to brown, measuring about 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) in length. They emit a faint scent to attract pollinators.
Coontie is characterized by its subterranean stem that appears stem-less above ground. The stem is thick and cylindrical, often resembling a short, woody tuber. It is covered in rough, brown, and fibrous textures which contribute to its camouflage within the soil. This sturdy stem may reach lengths up to 1 foot (30 cm) and a diameter of about 2 inches (5 cm), showing minimal to no branching. The stem's structure contributes significantly to the plant's resilience and survival.
The fruit of coontie is characterized by its broad seeds, which are fleshy in texture and exhibit a striking orange-yellow to reddish hue. These seeds are rather sizeable, measuring approximately 1/2 inch to 1 inch (1.27 cm to 2.54 cm) in length. The seeds grow from female cones that are erect and robust, reaching heights of 3 feet to 6 feet (about 91 cm to 183 cm). The appearance of the fruit is distinctive, aiding in the identification of coontie and contributing to its ornamental appeal.
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Scientific Classification of Coontie
