Field ManualAll plants

Zamia

Zamia polymorpha

Cycad

Pet & Human Safety

People: No hazard foundPets: Toxic to pets

Hazardous parts

Not yet checked.

Preparation

Not a food plant; no preparation guidance is given.

Hazard type

Not yet checked.

Hazard route

Not stated by our sources; no human poison information found

How complete this information is

We have not researched the safety of this plant yet.

Toxic to pets

ASPCA lists Zamia (genus) as toxic to dogs, cats and horses; principles cycasin, BMAA (beta-methylamino-L-alanine) and an unidentified neurotoxin (cattle); signs: vomiting (may be bloody), dark stools, jaundice, increased thirst, bloody diarrhea, bruising, liver failure, death; ASPCA says 1-2 seeds can be fatal. The ASPCA pages are whole-genus, not species-specific.

PlotAndPetal cannot tell you whether a plant you found can be eaten. Only someone who can see the plant can identify it.

Poison control

If someone has collapsed, cannot be woken, is having a seizure or has trouble breathing, call 911 now. For any other possible poisoning, call Poison Help: 1-800-222-1222.

Emergency number source: U.S. federal law (47 U.S.C. § 251(e)(3)), read 2026-10-07.

Naturalist Lore

Historical Background & Breeding Lore

The history of this plant and its name, and how it was bred, where we have them.

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Care

Hardiness zones: Not checked yet
Mature size: Underground caudex up to 10 cm across; usually 2-3 leaves 0.5-1.5 m long with a pointed leaf stalk; leaflets lanceolate, toothed on the upper two thirds, up to 30 cm long and 8 cm wide (Tulum palette).
Family: Cycadaceae (as listed on the ASPCA Zamia pages; Tulum entry does not state a family)
Where it comes from: Tulum palette: found in Belize, and in Mexico along the whole Yucatan Peninsula including Quintana Roo, Yucatan, Campeche, Chiapas and Tabasco.

Soil & Drainage

Pruning & Flush Rhythm

Feeding Schedule

How to prepare the soil, when and what to feed, and how and when to prune where that applies.

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