Zamia cremnophila
Zamia cremnophila is a species of plant in the family Zamiaceae. It is endemic to the state of Tabasco in Mexico.
Discovery, etymology, and relationships
Zamia cremnophila was found in Tabasco state in Mexico in 1981, growing on rocky cliff sides of calcareous hills. The species epithet was accordingly taken from cremnos, Greek for cliff, to reflect that growth habit. It appears to be closely related to other Zamias in southern Mexico, including Z. purpurea and Z. splendens.Description
Zamia cremnophila has a thick stem, growing primarily underground, which is long or longer and in diameter. There are a variable number of drooping compound-leaves, long and wide. There are up to 15 to 25 pairs of leaflets on a leaf. Leaflets are long-lanceolate to oblong, emerging a deep purplish-red and turning green as they mature. Leaflets are long, wide, and joined to the rachis by a long stalk. The petiole is long. Both the petiole and rachis are covered with spines.Like all cycads, Zamia cremnophila is dioecious, with individual plants being either male or female. Male strobili are cylindrical to conical, long and in diameter. They are brown and stand on a hairy peduncle. Female strobili are cylindrical to barrel-shaped, long and in diameter. They are deep brown in color and covered with hairs. Seeds are ovoid in shape, long and in diameter. The sarcotesta is white when immature, turning bright scarlet with maturity.