Description

General aspect and origins - Macrozamia communis is a dioecious Cycad, which has a small trunk and evergreen and fern-like leaves. This species is native to Southeastern Australia, and more precisely to New South Wales. A mature plant will reach up to 6-10 ft (2-3 m) tall and wide.
Leaves - Leaves are evergreen, pinnate, glossy, deep-green and are about 3-7 ft (1-2 m) long.
Flowers - As for all Cycads, the inflorescences are named cones. Male and female cones differ:

• The male cones are about 8-18 in (20-45 cm) long and cylindrical and 6 in (15 cm) wide.


• The female cones are a bit wider, being about 8 in (20 cm) wide.

Culture

Note about Cycads - Cycads consist of 3 families of prespermaphytes plants : The Cycadaceae are the most famous family, as they contain the well-known genus Cycas. The two other families are the Stangeriaceae and the Zamiaceae. Macrozamia communis belongs to this last family.

It should be wintered under glass outside mild areas, and can be brought outside during the summer months. In frost-free or mild climates, it can be grown in well-drained soils. It is however a relatively frost-hardy Cycad, able to grow in USDA zones 9 and warmer. Macrozamia communis could even be tried in most sheltered places of USDA zone 8b.
Soil - It likes slightly acidic and fertile soils. During the growing period, this plant needs to be watered about once a week.

Propagation

This plant is propagated by seeds, which should be sown as fresh as possible, with some bottom heat. Sprouting can take months.
This Cycad produces large red or orange-red seeds.