Botanical Name: Zamia furfuracea
Common Names: Cardboard Palm, Cardboard Cycad, Zamia Palm
๐ Product Description
Zamia furfuracea, commonly known as Cardboard Palm, is a compact cycad valued for its thick, leathery, oval leaflets arranged along sturdy fronds. Despite its palm-like appearance, it is a true cycad, closely related to ancient plant lineages.
The stiff, dark green foliage emerges in flushes from a central crown, forming a symmetrical, low-growing clump. Its bold texture and architectural form make it ideal for containers, patios, and tropical-style landscapes.
A hardy and drought-tolerant feature plant well suited to South African coastal and warm temperate gardens.
โ All parts of the plant are toxic if ingested โ keep away from pets and livestock.
๐ Size When Fully Grown
Height: 60 โ 120 cm
Spread: 60 โ 120 cm
Growth Habit: Clumping, trunkless cycad
Growth Rate: Slow
๐ฑ Best Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun to partial shade (best leaf colour in bright light)
Soil: Well-draining sandy or loamy soil
Water:
Moderate watering during active growth
Allow soil to dry slightly between watering
Reduce watering in winter
Avoid waterlogged conditions.
Feeding: Apply slow-release fertiliser in spring and midsummer.
Maintenance:
Remove old fronds as needed
Protect from severe frost
Ensure excellent drainage
๐ฆ๏ธ Planting & Growing Season (South Africa)
Best Planting Time: Spring to early summer
Active Growth: Spring and summer
Dormancy: Slows during winter
Climate Suitability: Ideal for coastal and frost-free regions
Frost Tolerance: Tolerates light frost; protect from heavy frost
๐ผ Additional Benefits
Architectural tropical appearance
Low maintenance
Drought tolerant once established
Excellent container specimen
Long-lived plant
๐ฟ Ideal Uses
โ Patio containers
โ Tropical-style gardens
โ Courtyard feature plant
โ Poolside planting
โ Entrance focal point
โ Water-wise landscapes