Cycads   Macrozamia fraseri

Common Names: Unknown Conservation Status: Not threatened Distribution & Habitat: South-western Australia, from Enneabba south to Perth. Locally abundant but sparsely distributed, in shrublands and heath, usually on deep sand. Description: A medium to large, robust arborescent or acaulescent cycad, trunk to 3m tall, and between 40-70cm in diameter. It has grey-green, semi-glossy leaves up to 2.7m long, moderately keeled leaves (i.e. where opposing leaflets inserted at 90-150 on the rachis), densely woolly crowns and large cones. General: Very uncommon in cultivation. Culture: Sunny, moist, but well drained position. Prefers sandy soil. Comes from a strictly Mediteranean climate, with the rainfall (650-750mm) occurring during the winter months. Prefers full sun, and is quite cold tolerant.

Figure 1. M. fraseri in habitat

Figure 2. M. fraseri

Figure 3. M. fraseri female cone showing wooly crown.

Figure 4. M. fraseri male cones

Figure 5. M. fraseri , large mature adult.

Contributed by:

Paul I Forster (Figure 1,2,3,4&5) (extracted from Palms&Cycads No. 85).

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