Cycads   Macrozamia diplomera

Although there are many distinct differences, Macrozamia diplomera has often been confused with the larger species M. communis . As with that species, the pinnae are divided at the apex into two lobes. This is also the case with at least two other species of the section Parazamia and may be one reason why early taxonomists reduced a number of species to varieties of Macrozamia spiralis . It is not known what material Salisbury was first sent when he named the species.

Figure 1. M. diplomera

Macrozamia diplomera has a fully subterranean caudex about 40cm in diameter. Leaves number from 40 to 50 on a mature plant. The rachis is straight and more angular than in other species in its habitat, this being the north-west hillslopes of Coonabarabran, New South Wales and parts of the Warrumbungle Ranges. It is found in the vicinity of M. heteromera and is often mistaken for it. I have not seen the female cones so cannot comment on them.

Contributed by:	Len Butt (Text - from PALMS&CYCADS, No 40, Oct - Dec 1993).
	Kim&Kelly Christensen (Figure 1).

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