Zamia encephalartoides in habitat

[Sim01]

Hello,

As some of you know, I am travelling in south and central america to see some cycads in their habitat. I am have been in Colombia so as to see Z. encephalartoides in its habitat. So here are some pictures.

The plants grow in very dry and rocky habitat with almost no water. I saw some very old plants and the female cones are the biggest I have ever seen for a Zamia.

The population is abundant and I could see many seedlings. I doesn't seem to be threatened a lot by collection and the lands are not suitable for agriculture.

The plants are very tough, I found some at the bottom of the hill that had falled from a pretty long distance and re-growed. Rocks often fall and the head of the plants and they just re-grow on the side of the rock.

[Sim01]

[Sim01]

[Sim01]

Receptive cone:

Empty chrysalids of Eumaeus:

Very old plant:

Dear Cycads lovers, if you had a bad day don't ready the next part :

I have been where grows Zamia amplifolia, I have seen many plants. They are amazing, with very huge leaves. I have seen two population, one densely populated the other one with very few plants. I also saw a ton of Z. chigua . BUT... I have lost my camera where Z. amplifolia grows, impossible to find it after hours of searching. I lost all the pictures... I had some very nice one, some plants with a beautiful read emerging leaf but unfortunately I can't share...

Simon

[gyuseppe]

Hello Simon

the Zamia encephalartoides is quite rare?

[George Sparkman]

Hi Simon,

Thank You so much for the pictures you have posted and I am very sorry to hear about the loss of your camera.

Thanks again.

[Baja Dan]

Thank You for sharing , great close up pictures of the zamias.

[Jeff Searle]

Yes, thanks for sharing, beautiful habitat shots! It's a shame you lost your camera, I would of loved to seen the additional photos.

How are things in Columbia? Is it getting safer to drive around out in the country? Are there still areas that you don't drive through?

Jeff

[Mr Cycad]

Awesome photo's, Simon - as always!

Not good to hear about the lost camera also - I too would have loved seeing those species. At least you have your health still, and the memories.

Hope you are enjoying Panama mate!