| Etymology | Genus: From Greek, lepidis, scale; and Zamia, another genus of cycad. In reference to the frond-like scale bases which clothe the stems. Species: Named after Count Peroffsky, a Russian nobleman and benefactor of the St Petersburg Botanic Garden, where the type plant was cultivated. |
| | They do not produce flowers and reproduce by means of cones borne on separate male and female plants. When ripe, the cone on the female plant breaks apart to release the large, bright red seeds. Like other cycads, the seeds contain toxic compounds which have caused fatalities to both humans and livestock. It is a highly ornamental species, commonly grown in subtropical and temperate regions both in Australia and overseas. It prefers a sheltered position, particularly in humus-rich, loamy soils, responds to mulch and regular applications of fertilisers and can tolerate light to moderately heavy frosts. While young it is an excellent container plant which can be brought indoors. |
