Cardboard palm (Zamia furfuracea) is a species of cycad endemic to Mexico. Although not a palm tree, its growth habit is superficially similar to a palm therefore it is commonly known as cardboard palm. However, more correct would be Cardboard cycad since it reflects the actually taxonomic classification of this species. The plant has a short, sometimes subterranean trunk usually marked with scars from old leaf bases. Extremely stiff, pubescent (fuzzy) green leaflets radiate from the center of the trunk. Occasionally, the leaflets are toothed toward the tips. The circular crowns of leaves resemble fern or palm fronds. They are erect in full sun, horizontal in shade. Plant produces a rusty-brown cone in the center of the female plant. It's a dioecious species, meaning that the egg-shaped female (seed-producing) cones and smaller male (pollen-producing) cone clusters are produced on separate plants.
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