Ceratozamia robusta (Costilla Deleo'n)


Botanical Information

FamilyZamiaceae
GenusCeratozamia
Speciesrobusta
CategoryTropicals, Woody, Ferns
TypeShrub (evergreen)
ReferencesGregory, T. & Chemnick, J. 2010. Ceratozamia robusta. The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species 2010: e.T42144A10666149. http://dx.doi.org/10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-3.RLTS.T42144A10666149.en. Downloaded on 08 May 2019.
OriginMesoamerica.

Details

USDA Hardiness Zone9b - 11
USDA Hardiness Ref.
Canadian Hardiness ZoneRequires cold season protection under glass.
Canada Hardiness Ref.
RHS Hardiness ZoneH3 - H1c
RHS Hardiness Ref.
Temperature (°C)(-3.8)-4.5
Temperature (°F)25 - 40
Height1.2-3.0 m
Spread3.0-4.7 m
GrowthFast

Description and Growing Information

General DescriptionLong-lived subtropical to tropical plant.
ID CharacteristicA crown of shiny, arching, palm-like leaves sprout atop a shaggy upright trunk.
LandscapeTemperate gardens as a potted plant where it is grown indoors during the winter months. In more tropical climates it is frequently grown as either a specimen or grouped as a landscape plant.
CultivationGrows best in shady areas, but will tolerate full sun. In full sun the leaves may turn yellow. It grows best in moist to well-drained soil. Tolerant to some drought.
Notable SpecimensBok Tower Gardens, Lake Wales, Florida, United States of America.
HabitatRocky areas (eg. inland cliffs, mountain peaks), and forest.
Bark/Stem DescriptionWoody, underground, height of stems can be up to 1.8 metres.
Flower/Leaf Bud DescriptionFemale cones can be larger than 30 cm. Male cones can exceed 30 cm in length. After being pollinated it takes several months to a year for seeds to become ripe. Ripe seeds generally need another 3-6 months before the embryos are fully developed and ready for planting.
Leaf DescriptionLeaves are dark green upright and up to 2 m in length. Leaves have thorns at the basal of the petiole.
Flower DescriptionMale and female flowers found on separate plants.
Fruit DescriptionFemale cones are grey in colour, ovoid-cylindrical, formed around the apex of the stem and turning brown at maturity, male cones are terminal.

Photographs