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Zamia pumila

Accession Count: 1

Common Name: wild sago

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Family Name: Zamiaceae

Botanical Name: Zamia pumila

Synonyms:

Botanical Synonyms: Zamia integrifolia, Zamia floridana A. DC., Zamia silvicola

Sub Species:

Variety:

Forma:

Cultivar:

Characteristics:

Compound: Zam pum

Geographic Origin: Caribbean

Ecozone Origin: Neotropic

Biome Origin:

Natural History:

Cultivation Notes: This plant is adapted to growing in well-drained soils. It can be found in open pinelands, hammocks, pine oak woods, scrub forests as well as coastal woodlands. Plants primarily growing in partial shade are more vigorous than plants found in full sun, although it can tolerate it. (2) Space plants 3 to 5 feet on centers as a specimen or foundation plant or 12 to 20 inches on center if a groundcover is intended. Wild sago are very sensitive to root disturbances when planting. When planting, let the soil in the pot become somewhat dry. If you install a plant with wet, heavy soil, the soil may break apart, taking the delicate roots with it. This causes a lot of root disturbance for the plant. You will want to dig a hole wider than the diameter of the pot but be careful not to plant it too deep. Caudices (stem or rootstock) can also be planted so that the top 2 to 3 inches is above the soil level. Do not amend the soil. Back-fill the hole with the same material taken from the hole. Then lightly press around the hole. Light mulching will help the plant stay hydrated and protect the soil. Arrowroot is an extremely drought tolerant and should not need much irrigation for most of the year. (2)

Ethnobotany: The indigenous peoples of Florida and later European settlers used a lengthy process to extract an edible starch from its large caudex, giving the plant the common names of arrowroot and Seminole bread. (2)

Height: 0 - 5 feet

Width: 0 - 5 feet

Growth Rate: Slow Growing

Grow Season: Summer

Flower Season: Spring

Color: White

Function: Accent

Spread: Spreading

Allergen: Allergenic

Invasive: Benign

Toxicity: Toxic

Hardy: Hardy

Water Use: Low water Use

Citations:

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