The species of Zamia belong to the botanical family Zamiaceae and with the family Cycadaceae conform the Order Cycadales, commonly known as Cycads. Cycads are Gymnosperms (Gimnospermae), which produce pollen and seeds in cones. Current Cycads are distributed in tropical and subtropical regions of the world, while another Gymnosperms are mostly in temperate zones.
Almost half of the Cycad species of the world are distributed in neotropics (~150 species). In this region occur 4 of the 10 genus of the Cycadales order. Cycads are present in tropical ecosystems from southeastern North America to the Amazon in South America, including the Caribbean islands. The Neotropical species are among the most threatened Cycads of the world. South America has 32 Zamia species, of which 26 are founded in Colombia.
Zamia is composed of 83 accepted species currently, which are distributed in southeastern North America, the Caribbean, Central America and South America. A first major clade of Zamia is present in USA, the Caribbean and Mexico, another clade is distributed in Central America and another clade is present in South America, from Colombia and the Amazonian countries. In the Caribbean region there are 10 species, 6 of them in Cuba and other Antillean islands. In Central America, Mexico has 18 species, Panama 17 and another 11 species occurs in other countries. In South America there are 26 species reported to Colombia (some of them shared with Panama, Venezuela, Brazil, Perú and Bolivia) and other 12 species distributed in other countries as Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia.
Among the Cycads genera, Zamia has the greatest diversity in growth habits and habitats where species are distributed. Some species have solitary arborescent trunks, reaching until 10 meters of height and 20 cm of diameter; others have subterranean rhizomes of few centimeters, even there an epiphytic species endemic to Panama, other species grows in rocky-cliffs. Zamia species have smooth stems, without any evident leaf scars, rarely branched. The leaves in Cycads are compound, arranged on an apical crown in the stem. Leaves in Zamia can be from less a meter to 5 meters of length, with numerous tiny leaflets (>100) or a few large leaflets (2 - 10). Morphological variation of the reproductive structures (pollen and seed cones) is low, but there is a variety of sizes and colors in this structures. Zamia species grow in a wide variety of habitats, such as beach dunes, xerophytic formations, cliffs, tropical savannas, dry forest, humid, montane forests, and even mangroves.
Colombia has 26 described species of Zamia, however there are other potential new species and probably an unknown number of new species to be discovered. In the Colombian Andes there are 13 species in an altitudinal range from 0 to 2000 meters. Wet lowland forests in the Chocó biogeographical region host 7 species. In the wet lowland forests in the Amazon region 9 species occur, 6 of which are found in Colombia.
The Caribbean region of Colombia has the species Zamia muricata in the department of La Guajira. 11 species grows in the Andes biogeographical: 2 species growing in the transition from the Andes to the Caribe and one in the interandean valley of Bajo Cauca (Z. restrepoi, Z. sinuensis and Z. melanorrhachis), one species in the Abibe Serrania in the northern Andes (Z. disodon), 2 species in the interandean valley of Magdalena Medio (Z. imbricata and Z. incognita), one species grows in dry ecosystems of the Chicamocha Canyon of the Western cordillera (Z. encephalartoides), in the southern Andes grows Z. huilensis in the Western cordillera, and Z. tolimensis grows in the Central cordillera; the species Z. wallisii, Z. montana and Z. oligodonta grows in premontane humid forests of the Eastern cordillera. The Chocó biogeographical region in the Pacific has 7 species: Z. manicata is present in the lowland forests in the Darien in Colombia and Panamá; Z. chigua and Z. obliqua are widely distributed cycads that occurs from the north in the department of Chocó to the south in the department of Valle del Cauca; Z. pyrophylla is endemic to the Atrato River Basin in the center of the Pacific region in the department of Chocó; in the southern part of the Pacific region occur Z. roezlii and the endemics Z. amplifolia and Z. paucifoliolata. In the Colombian Amazonia are distributed the species: Z. amazonum, Z hymenophyllidia, Z. lecointei, Z. lindosensis, Z. macrochiera and Z. ulei. Finally, there are reports of populations of a new Zamia species in the Orinoco region of Colombia.
In Colombia there are 18 species of Zamia which do not occur in any other part of the world. 12 endemic species are found in the Andes and Caribbean regions, 5 endemics are present in the Pacific region. In the Amazonian Region Z. lindosensis is endemic to the Serrania de la Lindosa, in the Guaviare department. Species Z. manicata and Z. obliqua are shared with Panama, Z. roezlii with Ecuador, Z. muricata with Venezuela and Z. macrochiera with Perú. The other 4 Zamia species from the Colombian Amazonia, are also present in some or all countries of the Amazon basin as Brasil, Perú, Venezuela, Ecuador and Bolivia.
To know more information about every Colombian Zamia species, click the picture of the corresponding species in the next infographic:
Native to the Neotropics, grows in dry and humid forests of northern South America in Colombia (Guajira) and Venezuela. Its name comes from the Latin root "muricato" (prickly), referring to plants with prickly petioles. It is a frequent species in its area of distribution in Venezuela, while in Colombia there are populations of at least 1000 adults inside La Macuira National Natural Park. They are terrestrial plants with subterranean rhizomes, with 6 leaves up to 2 meters long, with prickly petioles, composed of up to 24 smooth leaflets. Megastrobili are cylindrical, brown to dark brown with long peduncles; microstrobili are cylindrical, light brown. Megastrobili are reported in January. It has a close relationship with green and blue algae (Nostoc) contained in superficial coralloid roots that help it to fix nitrogen.This species is Near Threatened (NT) due to extensive cattle ranching in some disturbed habitats where it has been reported. Z. muricata is present in the Conservation Action Plan for the Zamias of Colombia, where its conservation needs have been made visible to different involved stakeholders. It is a medium-sized Zamia that establishes well in both open and shaded sites and also tolerates periods of drought, characteristics that give it a good ornamental potential little explored in Colombia. This species is represented in the Cycadales collection of the Floridablanca Botanical Garden in Santander.
Endemic to Colombia, it is established in the tropical dry forests of the Urabá region in the Department of Antioquia. From the Latin prefix "di-" (two) and "odonto" (tooth), it refers to the bi-serrated teeth present in some parts of the margins in leaflets. It has a restricted distribution and a population of at least 500 adult individuals is estimated. They are terrestrial plants with subterranean rhizomes with 4 leaves up to 3 meters long, composed of 22 membranaceous leaflets with superficial veins, toothed margins and petioles with small prickles. Megastrobili are cylindrical, dark brown; microstrobili are small, beige, both reported in May. Specialized pollinators of the genus Pharaxonotha sp. have been reported for this species. It has a close relationship with green and blue algae (Nostoc) contained in superficial coralloid roots that help it to fix nitrogen. It is Critically Endangered (CR) and is one of the 5 most endangered zamias in the country, because it grows in sites that have been heavily transformed by cattle ranching and extensive deforestation. It is included in the Conservation Action Plan for the Zamias of Colombia and its conservation needs have been made visible to different involved stakeholders. Researchers from the Universidad de Antioquia monitor populations in the CORPOURABÁ reserve network. It is a medium-sized Zamia, which grows in warm and shady places, has a striking membranaceous leaflets with superficial veins, which gives it great potential as an ornamental, but due to its rarity, low abundance and serious conservation status, it requires more research to promote its ex situ conservation. It is represented in the Cycadales collection of the Medellín Botanical Garden.
Endemic to Colombia, it is established in tropical rainforests of the Andean foothills in the Caribbean, in the Department of Córdoba. Its name refers to the basin of the Sinú River and its tributaries where this species occurs. Discovered in 2017 by SCC researchers while participating in the rescue of a wounded Crested Eagle (Morphnus guianensis). It is a very rare species in its area of distribution as only 5 adult individuals are known. They are terrestrial plants with subterranean rhizome, with 7 leaves up to 3 meters long, composed of 54 wavy leaflets and petioles with prickles. Megastrobili are cylindrical, red wine; microstrobili are beige, both reported in October. It is a very poorly known species in its natural habitat, and is in the IUCN Data Deficient (DD) category. It grows in sites transformed by agriculture and in habitats disturbed by deforestation. It is not present in the Colombian Zamias Conservation Action Plan, however, researchers from the Universidad de Antioquia and National Parks have documented some individuals in the national park system. It is not represented in any ex situ collection of Cycadales in Colombia and requires the implementation of urgent conservation strategies both in situ and ex situ.
Endemic to Colombia, it grows in tropical rainforests of the Andean foothills in the Caribbean, Department of Córdoba. Named in honor of Padre Sergio Restrepo, botanist who collected it for the first time in an area currently under the water of the Urrá dam. It is a very rare species in its area of distribution where less than 50 adult individuals are estimated. They are terrestrial plants with subterranean rhizome, with 5 leaves up to 3 meters, composed of 30 leaflets with a prominent central vein and prickly petioles. Megastrobili are cylindrical, red wine in color; microstrobili are beige, both reported in January, February and July. Specialized pollinators of the genus Pharaxonotha sp. have been reported for this species. It has a close relationship with green and blue algae (Nostoc) contained in superficial coralloid roots that help it to fix nitrogen. Local communities use it as a palliative to treat ophidian or Leishmania lesions. It is Critically Endangered (CR) and is one of the 5 most endangered species in the country, as it occurs in sites that have been highly transformed by cattle ranching, agriculture, extensive deforestation and the construction of a dam that flooded most of its natural distribution area. It is present in the Conservation Action Plan for the Zamias of Colombia and its conservation needs have been made visible to different involved stakeholders. Researchers from the Universidad de Antioquia, the National Parks system and local communities monitor some populations in Córdoba.
It is a medium-sized Zamia, which grows in warm semi-shaded sites and has striking leaflets with a prominent median vein, which give it great ornamental potential, but due to its rarity, low abundance and serious conservation status, it requires more research to promote its conservation both in situ and ex situ. It is represented in the Cycadales collection of the Medellín Botanical Garden.
Endemic to Colombia, it grows in tropical humid and tropical dry forests in the inter-Andean valleys of Bajo Cauca and Magdalena Medio basins, in the Departments of Antioquia, Córdoba and Santander. From the Latin root "melanos" (black) and "rachis" (main axis of a compound leaf), it refers to the dark brown or dark purple color of the rachis of the leaves in elongation. It occurs occasionally in its range and is estimated to have a population of about 2000 adult individuals. They are terrestrial plants with subterranean rhizome, with 4 leaves up to 1.7 meters, composed of 20 leaflets and petioles with small prickles. Megastrobili are cylindrical, reddish; microstrobili are light brown, small, both reported in February, March, May, August, September and November. It presents a close relationship with green and blue algae (Nostoc) contained in superficial coralloid roots that help it to fix nitrogen. Known as "corocita", local communities use it as a palliative to treat ophidian or Leishmania lesions. It is Endangered of Extinction (EN) because it grows in sites that have been highly transformed by extensive cattle ranching and expansion of the agricultural frontier. It is present in the Conservation Action Plan for the Zamias of Colombia, and its conservation needs have been made visible to different involved stakeholders. Researchers from the Universidad de Antioquia and Universidad CES are monitoring a population within a private reserve in the department of Córdoba. It is a medium-sized Zamia that grows and establishes well in open to semi-shaded sites, which gives it ornamental potential little explored in Colombia, however, it requires more research to promote its conservation both in situ and ex situ. It is represented in the Cycadales collection of the Medellín Botanical Garden.
Endemic to Colombia, it grows in the dry tropical forests of the northern Andes in the Chicamocha Canyon, Department of Santander. Its name refers to its similarity to plants of the African genus Encephalartos. It occurs occasionally in its area of distribution and is estimated to have a population of at least 5000 adult individuals. They are terrestrial plants with creeping subarborescent rhizome up to 2 meters, with 20 leaves up to 1.5 meters, composed of 50 pairs of leaflets and unarmed petioles. Megastrobili are olive-green, large; microstrobili are light beige, also large, both reported in April. Specialist herbivores of the genus Eumaeus sp. have been reported developing their life cycle on this species. It also presents a close relationship with green and blue algae (Nostoc) contained in superficial coralloid roots that help it to fix nitrogen. Known as "Cacao de Indio", it is presumed that indigenous communities extracted starch from these plants as a food source. It is Endangered of Extinction (EN) because it grows in sites transformed by extensive cattle ranching and the expansion of the agricultural frontier in fragments of dry forest or open sites in disturbed habitats. It is present in the Conservation Action Plan for the Zamias of Colombia, and its conservation needs are visible to different involved stakeholders. Researchers from the University of Antioquia and the CDMB are monitoring and studying some subpopulations in Santander.
It is a large, resistant Zamia that establishes well in open and dry sites, with olive green megastrobili and unarmed petioles, which has a great potential as ornamental that has been little explored in Colombia. This species requires more research to promote its conservation both in situ and ex situ. It is represented in the Cycadales collection of the Botanical Garden of Medellin and the Botanical Garden of Floridablanca.
Endemic to Colombia, it grows in the tropical rainforests of the Middle Magdalena Valley in the Andes, in the departments of Antioquia, Boyacá, Caldas and Santander. Its name comes from the Latin word "incognita" (unknown), referring to the fact that its identity was an enigma to botanists for many years before its description. It occurs occasionally in its area of distribution and is estimated to be about 10000 adult individuals. They are terrestrial plants with subterranean rhizome, with 4 leaves of 1.7 meters, composed of 37 leaflets and petioles with small prickles. Megastrobili are medium-sized, red wine; microstrobili are beige, both reported in January, April and August. Specialized pollinators of the genus Pharaxonotha sp., specialist herbivores of the genus Eumaeus sp., and ants of the genus Atta sp., which extract with their mandibles the sarcotesta of ripe seeds, favoring their germination, have been reported for this species. It also has a close relationship with green and blue algae (Nostoc) contained in superficial coralloid roots that help it to fix nitrogen. It is Endangered (EN) because it grows in sites highly transformed by extensive cattle ranching and expansion of the agricultural frontier. It is present in the Conservation Action Plan for the Zamias of Colombia, making its conservation needs visible to different involved stakeholders. Researchers from CES University and the Universidad de Antioquia monitor populations within an Integrated Management District of CORANTIOQUIA. There are also studies of sustainable use in horticulture and ecotourism for this species. It is a medium-sized Zamia, resistant, with pale reddish new leaves, which grows and establishes well in open or semi-shaded sites, characteristics that give it very good ornamental potential little explored in Colombia. It still needs to be strengthened the in situ and ex situ conservation strategies. It is well represented in the Cycadales collection of the Botanical Gardens of Medellin, Bogotá and Floridablanca.
Endemic to Colombia, it grows in the humid low montane and cloud forests of the western slopes of the Western Cordillera in the Andes in the Department of Antioquia. Named in honor of the Czech botanist Gustav Wallis, who collected it for the first time and who also documented the flora of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela between 1830-1878. It is a very rare species in its area of distribution where less than 1000 adult individuals are estimated. They are terrestrial plants with subterranean rhizome, with 2 leaves up to 3.7 meters, composed of up to 11 leaflets and petioles with few medium-sized prickles. Megastrobili are large, grayish-green; microstrobili are pale beige, both reported in April, June and October. Specialized pollinators of the genus Pharaxonotha sp. have been reported for this species, it also has a close relationship with green and blue algae (Nostoc) contained in superficial coralloid roots that help it to fix nitrogen. Local communities use it in magical religious rituals. It is Critically Endangered (CR) because it grows in sites heavily transformed by extensive cattle ranching, agricultural frontier expansion and overexploitation. This is one of the 5 most endangered Zamia species in the country and is included in the Conservation Action Plan for the Zamias of Colombia, where its conservation needs have been made visible to different involved stakeholders. Researchers from the Universidad de Antioquia and National Park officials monitor some subpopulations in Antioquia. It is a very slow-growing Zamia that establishes in humid and shaded sites, which, due to its rarity, low reproductive rates and serious conservation status, requires more research to promote its conservation both in situ and ex situ. This species is represented in the Cycadales collections of the Medellín and Bogotá Botanical Gardens.
Endemic to Colombia, it grows in the low montane rainforests of the western slopes of western Cordillera in the Andes, in Antioquia. Its name refers to the mountainous habitat where it has been collected. It is a very rare species in its area of distribution where less than 500 adult individuals are estimated. They are terrestrial plants with subarborescent rhizomes up to 1.8 meters, with 16 leaves up to 2 meters, composed of 32 pairs of leaflets and petioles with short prickles. Megastrobili are large, grayish; microstrobili are light beige, medium in size, both reported in August and December. Specialist herbivores of the genus Eumaeus sp. have been reported developing their life cycle on this species. It also presents a close relationship with green and blue algae (Nostoc) contained in superficial coralloid roots that help it to fix nitrogen. It is Critically Endangered (CR) because it grows in sites that have been highly transformed by extensive cattle ranching and the expansion of the agricultural frontier. This species is included among the 5 most endangered Zamia species in the country. It is included in the Conservation Action Plan for Zamias in Colombia and its conservation needs have been made visible to different involved stakeholders. Researchers from the Universidad de Antioquia and the SCC monitor some subpopulations in Antioquia. It is a big Zamia, of very slow growth that grows and establishes in humid and shady places, which, due to its rarity, low reproductive rates and serious conservation status, requires more research to promote its conservation both in situ and ex situ. It is represented in the Cycadales collection of the Medellín Botanical Garden.
Endemic to Colombia, it grows in the low montane rainforests of the western slopes of the Western Cordillera in the Andes in the Department of Risaralda. Its name comes from the Greek roots "oligo" (few), and "odonto" (teeth), alluding to the presence of a few teeth in the apical region of each leaflet. It is a very rare species in its area of distribution where less than 500 adult individuals are estimated. They are terrestrial plants with subterranean to creeping rhizome of up to 1 meter, with 3 leaves of up to 3 meters, composed of up to 26 leaflets and petioles with few short prickles. Megastrobili are medium, light brown; microstrobili are pale beige, both reported in June and October. It has a close relationship with green and blue algae Nostoc) contained in superficial coralloid roots that help it to fix nitrogen. It is Critically Endangered (CR) because it grows in sites heavily transformed by extensive cattle ranching and expansion of the agricultural frontier. It is included in the Conservation Action Plan for the Zamias of Colombia and its conservation needs have been made visible to different involved stakeholders. Researchers from the Universidad de Antioquia and officials from National Parks have made preliminary characterizations of the conservation status of some subpopulations in Risaralda. It is a medium-sized Zamia, that establishes in humid and shaded sites, which, due to its rarity, low reproductive rates and serious conservation status, requires more research to promote its conservation both in situ and ex situ. It is not represented in any public ex situ collection of Cycadales in Colombia.
Endemic to Colombia, it grows in the tropical rainforests of the eastern slopes of the Central Cordillera in the inter-Andean valley of Magdalena Medio in the Department of Caldas. From the Latin "imbricatus" (tiled), the name refers to the overlapping or imbricated leaflets. It is a very rare species in its area of distribution where less than 50 adult individuals are estimated. They are terrestrial plants with subterranean rhizome, with 5 leaves up to 2 meters, composed of up to 110 leaflets and petioles with few short prickles. Megastrobili are brown; microstrobili are tiny, beige in color, both reported in February. It is Critically Endangered (CR) because it grows in sites highly transformed by extensive cattle ranching and expansion of the agricultural frontier. It is one of the most endangered Zamia species in the country and is not included in the Conservation Action Plan for Zamias in Colombia, however, researchers from the Universidad de Caldas and Universidad de Antioquia are monitoring a population within a private reserve in the Department of Caldas. It is a short Zamia, with striking and delicate leaves with membranaceous leaflets, almost overlapping, which is established in warm and shady sites in well-preserved forests. Due to its rarity, low reproductive rates and serious conservation status, it requires further research to promote its conservation both in situ and ex situ. It is not represented in any public ex situ collection of Cycadales in Colombia.
Endemic to Colombia, it grows in the low montane rainforests of the eastern slopes of the Central Cordillera in the Andes, in the Department of Tolima. Its name refers to the Colombian Department of Tolima, where it is endemic. It is a very rare species in its area of distribution, where less than 500 adult individuals are estimated. They are terrestrial plants with arborescent rhizomes up to 4 meters, with 23 leaves up to 2.8 meters, composed of up to 96 leaflets and petioles with medium-sized prickles. Megastrobili are light brown, large; microstrobili are pale beige, medium in size, both reported in April, June and October. Specialist herbivores of the genus Eumaeus sp. have been reported developing their life cycle in this species, it also has a close relationship with green and blue algae (Nostoc) contained in superficial coralloid roots that help it to fix nitrogen. Known as "Cacao del Indio", it is reported that indigenous people extract starch from the rhizomes and seeds as a food source. It is Critically Endangered (CR) because it grows in sites transformed by extensive cattle ranching, expansion of the agricultural frontier and overexploitation. It is one of the 5 most endangered Zamia species in the country and is included in the Conservation Action Plan for Zamias of Colombia, where its conservation needs have been made visible to different involved stakeholders. Researchers from the Universidad de Antioquia and functionaries from WCS-Colombia, monitor a population in the Department of Tolima. It is a large Zamia, whose stems reach 4 meters, which is established in shady places, with great potential as an ornamental little explored in Colombia. Due to its rarity, low reproductive rates and serious conservation status, requires more research to promote its conservation both in situ and ex situ. It is represented in the Cycadales collection of the Botanical Gardens of Medellin, Bogotá and the Universidad del Tolima.
Endemic to Colombia, it grows in the low montane rainforests to the south of the Eastern Cordillera on the western slope of the Andes in the Department of Huila. Its name refers to the Colombian department of Huila, where it is endemic. It occurs occasionally in its area of distribution where at least 2000 adult individuals are estimated. It is a terrestrial Zamia with erect rhizome up to 1 meter, with 9 leaves up to 2.5 meters, composed of up to 22 leaflets and petioles with small prickles. Megastrobili are medium-sized brown; microstrobili are light brown, both reported in January and February. It has a close relationship with green and blue algae (Nostoc) contained in superficial coralloid roots that help it to fix nitrogen. It is Endangered (EN) because it grows in sites highly transformed by extensive cattle ranching and expansion of the agricultural frontier. It is included in the Conservation Action Plan for the Zamias of Colombia and its conservation needs have been made visible to different involved stakeholders. Researchers from the Universidad de Antioquia, together with researchers and naturalists from Huila, monitor subpopulations in different municipalities and private reserves in this Department. They promote its sustainable use through ecotourism. It is a Zamia of medium size, which is established in humid and semi-shaded sites, which can develop a stem of one meter and new leaves the coppery colored, with a good ornamental potential little explored in Colombia. It is represented in the collections of Cycadales of the Botanical Garden of Medellín and Quindío.
Native to the Neotropics, it grows in the tropical and very humid tropical rainforests of the northern biogeographic Chocó and the Darién of Colombia (Chocó and Antioquia) and Panamá. Its name comes from the Latin "manicum" (neck), referring to the prominent glandular necklace on the petiolules. It is a frequent species in the localities where it occurs, where at least 10000 adult individuals are estimated. They are terrestrial plants with subterranean rhizome, with 10 leaves up to 2 meters, composed of 64 leaflets and prickly petioles. Megastrobili are cylindrical, wine-red in color; microstrobili are beige, both reported in January, March, April, May, June, July, July, October, November and December. Specialized pollinators of the genus Pharaxonotha sp. have been reported for this species, also, specialist herbivores of the genus Eumaeus sp. have been reported developing their life cycle on this species. It also presents a close relationship with green and blue algae (Nostoc) contained in superficial coralloid roots that help it to fix nitrogen. Camera traps have been used to document the rufous motmot (Baryphthengus martii) feeding on mature seeds, making it the first report of a probable disperser of the Zamias in Colombia. It is Near Threatened (NT) because there are healthy populations within the National Park system, however, some localities have been transformed by extensive agriculture and deforestation. It is present in the Conservation Action Plan for the Zamias of Colombia and its conservation needs have been made visible to different involved stakeholders. Researchers from the Universidad de Antioquia have documented the pollination, dispersal, herbivory and functional traits of this species, and are also monitoring a subpopulation in the Urabá region in the Department of Antioquia. It is a medium-sized Zamia, which grows well in exposed or partially shaded sites, with leaflets that have a glandular necklace at the base of the petiole, which has a great ornamental potential unexplored in Colombia. It is represented in the collection of Cycadales of the Botanical Garden of Medellín, however, it is necessary to strengthen the ex situ conservation strategies.
Native to the Neotropics, it grows in well-preserved tropical humid and very humid forests in lowland and coastal areas of Mesoamerica and northern South America in Colombia, Costa Rica and Panamá. In Colombia it is present in tropical humid and very humid tropical forests of the biogeographic Chocó and Darién in the Departments of Antioquia, Chocó and Valle del Cauca. From the Latin "oblīquus", its name refers to the insertion of the leaflets in the rachis or to the leaflets with an oblique base. It is a frequent species in its area of distribution with more than 10000 adult individuals estimated. They are terrestrial plants with arborescent stems up to 10 meters, with 45 leaves up to 2.5 meters, composed of 40 leaflets and petioles with small pricks. Megastrobili are large, light brown; microstrobili are medium, light brown, both reported in July, September and December. Specialized pollinators of the genus Pharaxonotha sp. and specialist herbivores of the genus Eumaeus sp. have been reported developing their life cycle in this species. It also has a close relationship with green and blue algae (Nostoc) contained in superficial coralloid roots that help it to fix nitrogen. Afro descendant communities of Chocó have integrated this Zamia into their lists of plants of interest, seeking an alternative for the sustainable use of seeds and seedlings produced in its natural habitat. It is Near Threatened (NT) because it has subpopulations within the National Park system and in private reserves, however, in some localities the expansion of the urban and agricultural frontier and deforestation deteriorate its natural habitat. It is present in the Conservation Action Plan for the Zamias of Colombia and its conservation needs have been made visible to different involved stakeholders. Researchers from the Universidad de Antioquia and local stakeholders monitor a subpopulation of this species in Chocó, which has annual records for 15 years of phenological information such as: number of leaves, number of leaflets, reproductive structures and stem growth of the monitored individuals. It is an arborescent Zamia of large size and moderate growth rate, high production of strobili, with stems that can reach up 10 meters in habitat, which is well established in humid and warm sites. This species has a high potential as ornamental little explored in Colombia. It is a highly desirable species in the horticultural market that requires strengthening ex situ conservation strategies. It is well represented in the Cycadales collection of the Botanical Garden of Medellín.
Endemic to Colombia, it grows in the interior and edges of humid and very humid forests of the Atrato River basin, in the biogeographic Chocó in the department of Chocó. From the Latin "pyr" (fire) and "phyllon" (leaf), referring to the striking colors of the leaves in elongation that give it a flame appearance. It is a very rare species in its area of distribution where less than 200 adult individuals are estimated. They are terrestrial plants with subterranean rhizome, with 2 leaves, up to 3 meters, composed of 32 leaflets and petioles with medium-sized prickles. Megastrobili are dark brown; microstrobili are gray, both reported in March, April and October. Specialized pollinators of the genus Pharaxonotha sp., as well as specialist herbivores of the genus Eumaeus sp., have been reported developing their life cycle in this species. It also has a close relationship with green and blue algae (Nostoc) contained in superficial coralloid roots that help it to fix nitrogen. It has the ability to produce striking and colorful new leaves after being cut. It is Critically Endangered (CR) and is one of the most endangered Zamia species in the country because it grows in sites highly transformed by the expansion of the urban and agricultural frontier and deforestation. It is included in the Conservation Action Plan for the Zamias of Colombia and its conservation needs have been made visible to different involved stakeholders. Researchers from Montgomery Botanical Center and the Universidad de Antioquia have documented some subpopulations in the Chocó Department. It is a medium-sized Zamia, which is established in humid and warm sites, with striking new bright red and orange leaves that turn green from the apex to the base, which gives it a great ornamental potential unexplored in Colombia. Due to its rarity and serious conservation status, it requires more research to promote its conservation both in situ and ex situ. It is considered the species with the best ornamental projection of the Colombian zamias, however, it is not represented in any public ex situ collection of Cycadales in Colombia.
Endemic to Colombia, it grows in well-preserved humid and very humid forests of the biogeographic Chocó in the departments of Chocó and Valle del Cauca. Its name comes from the common name "chigua", as Zamia species are known in the region. It is an occasional species in its area of distribution where 2000 adult individuals are estimated. They are terrestrial plants with arborescent stems up to 2 meters, with 15 leaves, each up to 3 meters long, composed of up to 160 imbricate leaflets and petioles with numerous large prickles. Megastrobili are orange, medium-sized, reported in June and October; microstrobili are brown, reported in October. Specialist herbivores of the genus Eumaeus sp., have been reported developing their life cycle in this species. It has a close relationship with green and blue algae (Nostoc) contained in superficial coralloid roots that help it to fix nitrogen. Hybridization with Z. amplifolia have also been reported. Afro descendant communities of Valle del Cauca have this species among their plants of interest for sustainable use of seeds and seedlings and also ecotourism. It is Near Threatened (NT) due to the expansion of the urban and agricultural frontier and deforestation, with some localities highly transformed. It is present in the Conservation Action Plan for the Zamias of Colombia and its conservation needs have been made visible to different involved stakeholders. Researchers from the Universidad de Antioquia have documented subpopulations of this species in the departments of Chocó and Valle del Cauca. It is a large subarborescent Zamia, which grows in humid and warm places, with a large crown of leaves with imbricate leaflets, giving it a great ornamental potential still unexplored in Colombia. It is a species that requires more research to promote its conservation both in situ and ex situ. It is represented in the Cycadales collection of the Botanical Gardens of Medellin and the Universidad de Tolima.
Endemic to Colombia, it grows in well-preserved tropical humid and very humid forests of the Pacific coasts of Valle del Cauca and Chocó. Its name is composed of the Latin roots "pauci" (little) and "foliolata" (leaflets), referring to adult plants with few leaflets. It is an occasional species in its area of distribution with less than 1000 adult individuals estimated. They are terrestrial plants with subterranean rhizome, with 1 or 2 leaves, up to 3 meters, composed of up to 18 leaflets and petioles with medium-sized prickles. Megastrobili are dark brown; microstrobili are light brown, both reported in February, May, June, August and September. It presents a close relationship with green and blue algae (Nostoc) contained in superficial coralloid roots that help it to fix nitrogen. Afro descendant communities of Valle del Cauca have this species among their plants of interest for sustainable use of seeds and seedlings and ecotourism. It is Endangered (EN) because the expansion of the urban and agricultural frontier and deforestation contribute to the deterioration of its natural habitat, however, a large part of its distribution area corresponds to well-preserved humid and very humid forests, some within the National Park system, private reserves and collective territories of Afro descendant communities. It is not included in the Conservation Action Plan for the Zamias of Colombia, but its conservation needs have been made visible to different involved stakeholders. Researchers from the Universidad de Antioquia monitor some subpopulations present in private reserves in Valle del Cauca. It is a medium-sized Zamia with leaves of up to 3 meters, covered by a reddish indumentum, which is established in warm and humid sites, qualities that give it a good ornamental potential unexplored in Colombia. It is represented in the collection of the Botanical Garden of Medellin, however, it requires strengthening strategies for in situ and ex situ conservation.
Endemic to Colombia, it grows in humid and very humid tropical forests and also in low montane forests in Department of Valle del Cauca. Its name comes from the Latin roots "ampli-" (large) and "folio" (leaf), referring to plants with large leaflets. It is an occasional species in its area of distribution with an estimated up to 2000 adult individuals. They are terrestrial plants with erect rhizomes up to 1 meter, with 6 leaves, up to 2 meters, composed of 20 leaflets and petioles covered by large prickles. Megastrobili are cylindrical, medium-sized, dark brown; microstrobili are medium-sized, light brown, both reported for the months of July. Specialist herbivores of the genus Eumaeus sp. have been reported developing their life cycle on this species. It has a close relationship with green and blue algae (Nostoc) contained in superficial coralloid roots that help it to fix nitrogen. It is Endangered (EN) because activities such as the expansion of the urban and agricultural frontier and deforestation contribute to the deterioration of the natural habitat of this species. Some well-preserved subpopulations occur in healthy tropical rainforests, some within the National Park system and in collective territories of Afro descendant communities. It is present in the Conservation Action Plan for the Zamias of Colombia and its conservation needs have been made visible to different involved stakeholders. Researchers from the Universidad de Antioquia have documented subpopulations of this species in Valle del Cauca, finding hybrid individuals with Z. chigua. It is a medium-sized Zamia with a stem of up to 1 meter and leaves of 2 meters with a very striking salmon-colored prefoliation, which gives it great ornamental potential little explored in Colombia. This species is represented in the collection of the Botanical Garden of Medellín, however, it requires strengthening in situ and ex situ conservation strategies.
Native to South America, it grows in well-preserved humid and very humid forests in lowland, coastal and mangrove areas of the Biogeographic Chocó region in northwestern South America in Colombia and Ecuador. In Colombia it occurs in the Pacific region in the departments of Chocó, Nariño and Valle del Cauca. Its name is in honor of the Czech botanist Benedikt Roezl, explorer, collector and horticulturist of plants of the Neotropics. It is a frequent species in its area of distribution, with an estimated of 5000 adult individuals. They are terrestrial plants with arborescent stems up to 7 meters, with 30 leaves up to 3 meters, composed of 107 leaflets and petioles covered with large prickles. Megastrobili are large, light brown; microstrobili are large, light brown, both reported in May and August. It presents a close relationship with green and blue algae (Nostoc) contained in superficial coralloid roots that help it to fix nitrogen. Afro descendant and also indigenous communities of the Waunana ethnic group extract starch as a food source from the seeds for the preparation of cakes, tamales and wraps. These communities have developed washing techniques to extract the large amount of toxins that these seeds usually contain and prepare these foods with confidence. It is Near Threatened (NT) because part of the habitat has been altered by the expansion of the urban and agricultural frontier and deforestation. Some subpopulations occur in very well preserved tropical rainforests, some within the National Park system and in collective territories of Afro descendant communities. It is present in the Conservation Action Plan for the Zamias of Colombia and its conservation needs have been made visible to different involved stakeholders. It is a subarborescent Zamia of large size and moderate rate growth, with copper-colored leaves in prefoliation, high seed production and well established in warm and humid environments, aspects that give it very good ornamental potential little explored in Colombia. It is represented in the Cycadales collection of the Botanical Gardens of Medellin and Tuluá.
Endemic to Colombia, it grows in the tropical rainforests of the Amazon region, in rocky formations and white sandy soils in the department of Guaviare. Its name refers to the type locality, La Serranía de la Lindosa, where it was discovered and collected by the first time. It is a very rare plant in its area of distribution with less than 1000 adult individuals estimated. They are terrestrial plants with subterranean rhizome, with 4 leaves up to 3.5 meters, composed of up to 100 leaflets and petioles with long prickles. Megastrobili are cylindrical, reddish; microstrobili are light brown, both reported in April, June and September. It has a close relationship with green and blue algae (Nostoc) contained in superficial coralloid roots that help it to fix nitrogen. It is Endangered (EN) because deforestation, extensive cattle ranching and expansion of the agricultural frontier have contributed to the fragmentation of its natural habitat. It is not included in the Conservation Action Plan for the Zamias of Colombia; however, through the SINCHI Institute, its conservation needs have been made visible to different involved stakeholders. Some subpopulations occur within the Serranía La Lindosa - Angosturas II National Protected Forest Reserve. SINCHI researchers document and monitor subpopulations of this species in the department of Guaviare. It is a medium-sized Zamia that establishes well in warm, rocky and semi-shaded sites, with good ornamental potential which remains to be explored in Colombia. It is not represented in any collection of Cycadales in Colombia and requires strengthening and implementing strategies for in situ and ex situ conservation.
Native to South America, it grows in tropical rainforests in the Amazon region of Colombia and Perú. In Colombia it is distributed towards the south of Amazonia in the department of Amazonas. Its name comes from the Greek roots "macros" (large) and "chiera" (hand), in reference to the thickening or glandular necklace that separates the leaflets from the petiole. It is a very rare plant in its area of distribution since less than 100 adult individuals are estimated. They are terrestrial plants with subterranean rhizome, with 2 leaves up to 3.5 meters, composed of up to 24 leaflets and petioles with large prickles. Megastrobili and microstrobili have not been documented in Colombia. It has, a close relationship with green and blue algae (Nostoc) contained in superficial coralloid roots that help it to fix nitrogen. It is Critically Endangered (CR) and is not included in the Conservation Action Plan for Zamias in Colombia, however, thanks to researchers from the SINCHI Institute, its conservation needs have been made visible to different involved stakeholders. Researchers from SINCHI institute have documented this species in the department of Amazonas. It is a Zamia of good size, with large leaves up to 3.4 meters, composed of leaflets with thickened petioles, which is well established in moist and shady places, attributes that give it good ornamental potential still unexplored in Colombia. Due to its rarity, unknown natural history and serious conservation status, more research is needed to promote its conservation both in situ and ex situ. There are no reports of this species within any protected area or any public ex situ collection of Cycadales in Colombia.
Native to South America, it grows in the tropical rainforests of the Amazon region of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador, Perú and Venezuela. In Colombia it is distributed in the departments of Amazonas and Vaupés. Its name refers to its geographical distribution in the Amazon region of South America. It is a frequent plant in its area of distribution with 10000 adult individuals estimated. They are terrestrial plants with subterranean rhizome, with 6 leaves up to 2.5 meters, composed of up to 50 leaflets and petioles with short prickles. Megastrobili are reddish brown; microstrobili are brown, both reported in August and November. It has a close relationship with green and blue algae (Nostoc) contained in superficial coralloid roots that help it fix nitrogen. It is Near Threatened (NT) because it grows in well-preserved tropical rainforests in the Amazon region. There are reports of this species in the National Natural Parks of: Serranía de Chiribiquete and Yaigojé-Apaporis. It is included in the Conservation Action Plan for the Zamias of Colombia and, together with the SINCHI Institute, its conservation needs have been made visible to different involved stakeholders. Researchers from the Universidad de Antioquia and SINCHI Institute document and monitor subpopulations of this species in the Amazonas Department. It is a medium-sized Zamia, which establishes well in warm, humid and shady places, with good ornamental potential unexplored in Colombia. It is represented in the arboretum of the Universidad de la Amazonia in the Department of Caquetá, however, it requires strengthening and implementing strategies for in situ and ex situ conservation.
Native to the Neotropic, it grows in tropical rainforests in the Amazon region of Brazil, Colombia, Ecuador and Perú. In Colombia it is found in the departments of Amazonas, Caquetá, Guainía, Putumayo and Vaupés. Its name is in honor of the German botanist Ernst Heinrich Georg Üle, who explored the Amazon and collected this species for the first time. It is an occasional plant in its area of distribution with 5000 adult individuals estimated. They are terrestrial plants with subterranean rhizome, with 5 leaves up to 1.5 meters, composed of up to 22 leaflets and petioles with medium-sized prickles. Megastrobili are brown; microstrobili are pale brown, both reported in April and August. It is closely related to green and blue algae (Nostoc) contained in superficial coralloid roots that help it fix nitrogen. It is Near Threatened (NT) because it grows in well preserved tropical rainforests lightly disturbed in the Amazon region, in addition, there are reports of this species within the National Natural Parks of: Serranía de Chiribiquete, Rio Puré, Amacayacu, La Paya and Yaigojé-Apaporis. It is present in the Conservation Action Plan for the Zamias of Colombia and its conservation needs have been made visible to different involved stakeholders. Researchers from the SINCHI institute document and monitor subpopulations of this species in the Colombian Amazon. It is a medium-sized Zamia that establishes well in warm, humid and shady places, with good ornamental potential still unexplored in Colombia. It is not represented in any Cycadales collection in Colombia and requires strengthening and implementation of ex situ conservation strategies.
Native to South America, it grows in the tropical rainforests and white sand forests of the Amazon region of Colombia and Perú. In Colombia it is present in the department of Amazonas. Its name comes from the Latin roots "hymen" (membrane), and Greek "phyllon" (leaf), referring to the membranaceous leaflets characteristic of the species. It is a very rare plant in its area of distribution with less than 300 adult individuals estimated. They are terrestrial plants with subterranean rhizome, with up to 5 leaves of 1 meter, composed of up to 20 leaflets and petioles with small prickles. Megastrobili are reddish brown; microstrobili are brown, both reported in March, August and November. It has a close relationship with green and blue algae (Nostoc) contained in superficial coralloid roots that help it fix nitrogen. It is Critically Endangered (CR) due to its low population abundance, however, there are reports of this species within the National Natural Parks of: Cahuinari, Rio Puré and Amacayacu. It is present in the Conservation Action Plan for the Zamias of Colombia and its conservation needs have been made visible to different involved stakeholders. Researchers from SINCHI institute monitor subpopulations of this species in the Colombian Amazon. It is a short Zamia, which is established in warm, humid and shady places, which has a good ornamental potential still unexplored in Colombia. It is not represented in any collection of Cycadales in Colombia and requires strengthening and implementing strategies for in situ and ex situ conservation.
Native to South America, it grows in the tropical rainforests of the Amazon region in Brazil, Colombia and Venezuela. In Colombia it is distributed towards the south of the Amazon region in the department of Amazonas. Its name is in honor of Tingénieur Paul Le Cointe, friend and companion in the expedition to Brazil when this species was discovered by the Austrian explorer Walter Adolpho Ducke, remarkable naturalist, entomologist, ethnographer and botanist. It is a frequent plant within its area of distribution with 15000 adult individuals estimated. They are terrestrial plants with subterranean rhizome, with 4 leaves up to 2.5 meters, composed of up to 80 leaflets and petioles with small prickles. Megastrobili and microstrobili are brown in color, both reported in April and September. It has a close relationship with green and blue algae (Nostoc) contained in superficial coralloid roots that help it to fix nitrogen. It is Near Threatened (NT) because some part of its habitat are degraded by deforestation, however, there are reports of this species within the Yaigojé-Apaporis National Natural Park. This species is included in the Conservation Action Plan for the Zamias of Colombia and its conservation needs have been made visible to different involved stakeholders. Researchers from the SINCHI institute have documented some subpopulations of this species in the Colombian Amazon. It is a medium-sized Zamia, which establishes well in warm, humid and shady places, which has a good ornamental potential still unexplored in Colombia. It is not represented in any collection of Cycadales in Colombia and requires strengthening and implementing some conservation strategies in situ and ex situ.
| FLORA DE COLOMBIA. MONOGRAFÍA NO. 21 ORDEN CYCADALES. D. W. STEVENSON, 2001 | ATLAS DE LA BIODIVERSIDAD DE COLOMBIA. ZAMIAS |
| ILLUSTRATE FIELD GUIDE OF COLOMBIAN ZAMIAS |
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SCC - Sociedad Colombiana de Cycadas - ONG
Medellín - Colombia
