Zamia loddigesii

[Moose]

I got this cycad (these cycads) as Zamia loddigesii several years back. It is a multple plant and I have found what looks like old male cones. This was the first time a female cone appeared. Looks like I may have male and female plants together. I did not hand pollinate this female cone. Also there are Zamia floridiana growing very near that have produced both male and female cones. Does anyone know if both these Zamias host the same pollinators in South Florida. Supposedly Zamia furfuracea and Zamia loddigesii hybridize in their natural habitat if near one another. The pollinator for Zamia furfuracea has been reportedly "naturalized" here. I have multiple volunteer Zamia furfuracea in my yard that I constantly removing. None have ever been permitted to cone.

[Moose]

Some thing happened with the attachments, I just posted what I had and will continue here ...

Just curious if these seeds got crossed or if they are even viable? Are they worth keeping or giving away. I cut a seed for you guys can determine if there is an embryo found.

Another question: I removed sarcotesta by bare hand. It was kinda "juicy" and stained the skin. Washed with soap and water. Knowing how toxic cycads can be, how much toxin can be absorbed through the skin?

.

[Moose]

My computer is not allowing me to post multiple attachments for some reason. Here is the dissected seed.

[Mandrew968]

Jody?!

[virtualpalm]

Our native coontie (and the other Caribbean stuff) is pollinated by the native Pharaxonotha zamiae beetle and Rhopalotria slossoni weevil, whereas Z. furfuracea and Z. loddigesii (and some of the other Mexican stuff) is pollinated by the introduced Rhopalotria mollis weevil, which is about 5 times larger than the native species. The Mexican species typically cone at different times of the year from the native coontie, so hybridization would be unlikely. Conversely, it is possible for Z. furfuracea and Z. loddigesii to hybridize.

The seed has a 3/4 size embryo and will probably need another month or so to germinate. The sarcotesta is not toxic by contact that I know of... if it was, I would exhibiting symptoms of ALS by now. I would, however, recommend wearing gloves when handling them, especially when the sarcotesta is "juicy".

Jody

[edbrown_III]

Jody,

Do the other Zamias have specific pollenators or can the native Pharaxonotha zamiae beetle and Rhopalotria slossoni weevil, pollinate these species --- I have a few beds of Zamia amblyphilidia --- will nature take its course or do I need to hand pollinate?

Best regards

Ed

[virtualpalm]

Ed, to my knowedge our native pollinators do not pollinate Mexican species, and I don't believe you would have the Mexican pollinator up where you are -- which is actually a good thing because it reduces the likelihood of hybrids. Have your Z. erosa (ex. Z. amblyphyllidia) ever set seed on its own?

Jody

[Dave-Vero]

My female "Z. loddigesii" (most likely a garden hybrid, but an attractive ornamental plant) produces fertile seeds. The other day, I yanked a seedling with variegated leaves. The most likely explanation is that pollen arrived from a male Z. variegata (also of possibly dodgy ancestry) maybe 20 feet away.

[Moose]

There was 280 seed on that cone. Any suggestions as to how to clean the sarcotesta from the seed? It's my first time cleaning cycad seed.

[virtualpalm]

Those should be real easy. Let them soak in water for a few days, changing it regularly. Then spray them with a strong jet of water... should take the sarcotesta right off when it is soft enough.

Jody

[edbrown_III]

Ed, to my knowedge our native pollinators do not pollinate Mexican species, and I don't believe you would have the Mexican pollinator up where you are -- which is actually a good thing because it reduces the likelihood of hybrids. Have your Z. erosa (ex. Z. amblyphyllidia) ever set seed on its own?

Jody

Jody,

Good to hear from you and thanks thats a bit of a relief. --- I am planting the species out but in segregated groups Z. amblyphilidia forest Z pumila forest and a hill iwth the Z. loddigesii --

most of the seeds are things where I actively pollinated but you hate to let things slip through the cracks.

Best regards

Ed