Zamia polymorpha

[Mike Evans]

I looked at one of my Zamia polymorpha today & noticed the new leaves growing right out the female cone. Any one else see any thing like this?

[LJG]

Never seen that before. Almost like the new leaves came out through the cone's peduncle.

[Mr Cycad]

Cool!

I've seen this before on a few different zamia's (Zamia furfuracea, Zamia variegata).

Quite interesting.

Thanks for sharing.

[Moose]

Cool!

I've seen this before on a few different zamia's (Zamia furfuracea, Zamia variegata).

Quite interesting.

Thanks for sharing.

Yes very interesting.

Isn't a cone basically a modified leaf providing reproductive capabilities. If so, this is like a leaf growing out of a leaf?

What is your opinion Jody?

[virtualpalm]

You are correct, Ron. This is not a common occurrence but an interesting phenomenon nonetheless. I have seen it in a number of species including within Zamia and Encephalartos. Some have tried to establish a new plant from the tip of the cone but I do not believe this has been successful. Once the cone senesces the leaves typically die back along with it.

Jody

[Mike Evans]

I will keep an eye on it & see if it does die back when the cone dies. This may be a phenomenon from the brutal cold winter this year & the plant is trying to grow like hell. Don't let that cone stop you.

[cycadjungle]

You seem to see that more in Encephalartos cones than the other genera. It is unusual but not that uncommon. I had about 12 plants do that last year. My big female gratus put out 5 cones last year and all of them had leaves coming out. Jody is right, the cones usually fall off and take the leaves with it. On some occasions I have cut a female cone off and left an inch of peduncle still on the plant and half of those times,they produced new leaves out the top of the left over peduncle. I was able to take those off when they were large enough and root them in and make female plants.