Zamia furfuracea
 
Common Names Cardboard Palm, Cardboard Cycad, Mexican Cycad
 
Zones 9B–11
 
Zamia furfuracea is a low-growing, drought-tolerant cycad native to coastal Veracruz, Mexico. Despite its common name, it is not a true palm but a primitive gymnosperm with thick, fuzzy leaflets and a subterranean trunk. Its coarse texture and symmetrical rosette form make it a bold accent in tropical and xeric landscapes.
 
Key Features
Growth Habit: Mounding, symmetrical; slow-growing
Height: Typically 2–3 ft; spread up to 6 ft
Trunk: Subterranean or slightly exposed; tuberous and moisture-storing
Leaves: Pinnate; 2–4 ft long; leaflets obovate, thick, pubescent (“cardboard” texture), arranged in opposing pairs
Petiole: Short; may be slightly spiny near base
Inflorescence: Dioecious; male cones cylindrical and rusty-brown; female cones egg-shaped, producing bright red seeds
Fruit: Seeds large, crimson; highly toxic to pets and humans
Ecology: Native to coastal scrub and sandy soils; endangered due to habitat loss and illegal collection
 
Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to partial shade; leaf orientation shifts with exposure
Watering: Moderate; drought-tolerant once established
Soil: Well-draining sandy or loamy mix; neutral to slightly acidic pH
Temperature: 60–95°F (15–35°C); protect from frost
Humidity: Moderate; adaptable to dry air
Propagation: By seed; slow and unreliable germination
Tolerance: Drought, salt, and urban conditions; sensitive to overwatering
 
Landscape Use Ideal for coastal gardens, xeriscapes, and tropical containers. Pairs well with Agave geminiflora, Neoregelia ‘Fireball’, and Nolina microcarpa for bold texture contrast.