Zamioculcas

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Zamioculcas zamiifolia

A cultivated specimen

Scientific classification
Kingdom:

Plantae

(unranked): Angiosperms
(unranked): Monocots
Order:

Alismatales

Family:

Araceae

Subfamily: Zamioculcadoideae
Genus:

Zamioculcas
Schott

Species:

Z. zamiifolia
Binomial name

Zamioculcas zamiifolia
(Lodd.) Engl.[1]
Zamioculcas (Common name "Zanzibar Gem") is a genus of flowering plant in the family Araceae,
containing the single species Zamioculcas zamiifolia. It is a tropical perennial plant native to
eastern Africa, from Kenya south to northeasternSouth Africa. Dutch nurseries started wide-scale
commercial propagation of the plant around 1996.[2]

Contents
[hide]

1 Etymology

2 History

3 Growth

4 Toxicity

5 Cultivation

6 References

7 External links

Etymology[edit]
The botanical name derives from on the one hand the superficial similarity of its foliage to that of
the cycad genus Zamia and on the other hand its kinship to the genus Colocasia under the
alternative form 'Culcas'. Botanical synonyms includeCaladium zamiaefolium, Zamioculcas
loddigesii and Z. lanceolata. It is sometimes known by the trivial names "ZZ plant", "aroid palm", "fat
boy", and "eternity plant".

History[edit]
It was first described as Caladium zamiifolium by Loddiges in 1829 (Bot. Cab. 15: t. 1408. 1829 ),
moved to his new genusZamioculcas by Heinrich Wilhelm Schott ( Syn. Aroid. 71. 1856) and given
its established name Zamioculcas zamiifolia byAdolf Engler (Das Pflanzenreich 4, 23B: 305. 1905.)

Growth[edit]

It is a herbaceous plant growing to 4560 cm tall, from a stout underground, succulent rhizome. It is
normally evergreen, but becomes deciduous during drought, surviving drought due to the
large potato-like rhizome that stores water until rainfall resumes. The leaves are pinnate, 4060 cm
long, with 6-8 pairs of leaflets 715 cm long; they are smooth, shiny, and dark green. The flowers are
produced in a small bright yellow to brown or bronze spadix 57 cm long, partly hidden among the
leaf bases; flowering is from mid summer to early autumn.

Toxicity[edit]
All parts of the plant are poisonous if ingested. A number of other sites claims that this is a myth. [3][4] It
contains calcium oxalate. Needle-like calcium oxalate crystals could irritate different sensitive skin
parts, mucosa, or conjunctiva.

Cultivation[edit]

Zamioculcas zamiifolia flower

Zamioculcas is grown as an ornamental plant, mainly for its attractive glossy foliage. It can be kept
outdoors as long as the temperature does not fall below around 15 C (59 F); best growth is
between 18 C to 26 C (65 to 79 F). Hot temperatures give an increase of leaf production. In
temperate regions, it is grown as a houseplant. Over-watering may destroy this plant; erring on the
side of dryness is preferable to risking tuber rot. Do not use leaf shiners. A quarter or eighth strength
liquid fertilizer such as fish emulsion or worm-cast liquid may be used once a month at the warmest
period for potted specimens. Bright, indirect light is best for Zamioculcas, although it will tolerate very
low light. Some sun will be tolerated, very early in the morning for hot districts morning or
afternoon for cooler districts.
Z. zamiifolia may be propagated by leaf cuttings: typically, the lower ends of detached leaves are
inserted into a moist gritty compost and the pot enclosed in a polythene bag. Though the leaves may
well decay, succulent bulb-like structures should form in the compost and these may be potted up to
produce new plants. The process may take upwards of one year

Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Loddiges)Engl.

Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Loddiges)Engl.

Synonyms: Zamioculcas loddigesii, Zamiacaulcas zamiafolia, Zamioculcas
lanceolata,
Z. "lancifolia" and strangely Caladium zamiaefolium (the basionym)
Common names:
Aroid Palm, Arum Fern, ZZ Plant, Zee Zee plant, ZeZe plant, Zeezee Plant, Zu Zu
Plant, Money Tree,
Fat Boy, Eternity Plant, Zanzibar Gem, Chinese New Year Festive Plant, Chinese
Gold Coin Plant
and incorrectly "Succulent Philodendron", Emerald Fronds
Sometimes incorrectly spelled "Zamioculcus" using a second "u"

To water, or not to water?

If you find the advice on the internet difficult to believe or your specimen appears to be
dieing anyway
read the article and you'll understand why the ZZ will go dormant if deprived of water!
The basis for the information on this page can be found in the scientific text
The Genera of Araceae, by botanists Dr. Simon Mayo, J. Bogner and P.C. Boyce

The majority of home growers have been lead to believe this species should
not be watered, or watered infrequently.
If you are having problems with your plant this article will explain why. The
reasons will probably surprise you!

The origins of the species Zamioculcas zamiifolia

The ZZ plant, Zamioculcas zamiifolia is found in a region of Africa which has
somewhat extreme growing conditions. An unusual aroid (member of the
family Araceae) the ZZ grows naturally in eastern Africa primarily in the
countries of Zanzibar and Tanzania but the plant is also found in other western
African countries. Although it is true those countries have a dry period it is not
a desert species. The dry season does not persist year round since there is
also a very wet period of heavy rain. This species definitely will suffer in the
cold.

An aroid, Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZAM-e-o-CUL-cas, ZAM-e-eye-FOL-e-a) is

a sub-erect herb which sometimes grows to 0.75 meters (2.5 feet) or larger in
height. It is commonly found growing in rocky areas as well as on stone in its
native region of the African continent. Commonly known as the ZZ plant due
to its unusual scientific name the plant is one of only a few species that can be
regenerated from a single leaf blade (leaflet). The normal leaflet count is four
to eight on each side of the rachis that is their , however in some variations
the leaflet count can be substantially higher.

Common names and myths

Known by many regional as well as poorly devised common names including
Zanzibar Gem, Aroid Palm, Money Tree, Eternity Plant, the Chinese New
Year Festive Plant, Succulent Philodendron and Arum Fern the plant is
popular around the globe Zamioculcaszamiifolia is neither a fern, a palm,
nor Philodendron but it is in the same plant family as the
genus Philodendron which is also a member of the plant family Araceae.
This species was described to science in 1905. Some sellers
advertise Zamioculcas zamiifolia is a "new plant" but in
truthZamioculcas zamiifolia has been around since the beginning of time.
Commercially, the plant has been sold since the year 2000. The genus
name Zamioculcas was derived due to a vague similarity to the foliage of a
group of Cycads found in the genus Zamia. The genus Zamia is in the
family Zamiaceae which contains fern-like plants native to tropical and
subtropical America while the ZZ plant is in a different family, ie Araceae.
Despite the general appearance there is no scientific relationship
between Zamioculcas zamiifoliaand plants in the genus Zamia. The plant is
also not a fern.

is the ZZ a desert plant?

Like much of the misleading plant information found on the internet it is
commonly believed the ZZ plant is found in the desert. That information is
absolutely false since the Royal Botanic Garden Kew in London states the
plant grows in "tropical moist forest, savannas; geophytes on forest floor or in stony
ground." See all the references at the bottom of this page. Aroid scientific
texts state clearly there is only one aroid species found in desert terrain
anywhere in the world, and it is not Zamioculcas zamiifolia. That information
can be confirmed in the text The Genera of Araceae on page 46, "No
Araceae occur in true deserts except Eminium spiculatum subsp. negeuense,
from the Negev desert (Koach 1988)." Later in the same paragraph you can
read, "Zamioculcas zamiifolia is a succulent plant which stores water in its thick
petioles and is sometimes found in very dry habitats, but is more common in
evergreen seasonal forests and savannas." The Negev is both a desert and semidesert found in southern Israel.
The same misleading information attempts to tell you this plant does not need
to be watered regularly which is completely in conflict with the normal growth

information known by science regarding the species. I recently tried

repeatedly to explain this to a plant forumdiscussion group interested in
learning why some of their plants were dropping leaflets, a natural part of a
compound leaf, but every single member appeared to refuse to accept any of
the science or scientific reasoning why those leaflets were falling from the
plant. Just like far too many growers, some prefer rumors to scientiic fact.
There is a scientific cause for the leaflets to fall which is explained in this
article and it has to do with the lack of water,

Scientific facts and a very false claim

The Genera of Araceae continues by stating the distribution of the single
known species of Zamioculcas is tropical east and subtropical southeast
Africa including Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, South Africa (Natal), Tanzania
including Pemba , Zanzibar, and Zimbabwe. It further states the ecology of
the plant is "tropical moist forest, savannas; geophytes on forest floor or in stony
ground, forest floor or in stony ground". Please note this scientific text clearly
states the plant is found in "tropical east and subtropical southeast Africa" as well
as "tropical moist forest" along with other locations. Does that not make anyone
wonder why the plant is commonly sold as an arid dry species that does not
need water? If you have ever read about or visited a tropical or subtropical
forest you already know it rains!
An invalid claim that appears to have originated out of SE Asia in the summer
of 2010 now claims Zamioculcas zamiifolia can cause cancer! Internet
discussion groups include the bogus notion the ZZ plant is so poisonous a
clay pot cannot be used for another plant once it holds the ZZ since the "pot
can be dangerous to touch". Such rumors are based on reading untrue
information on another website and then, as happens with all rumors,
enhancing and elaborating on it repeatedly, and posting an enhanced notion
on another website again and again. These stories have been spread for
years on the internet about aroids but no scientific foundation can be found.
This quote came from retired research chemist and aroid expert Ted
Held, "Just a quick check on Google ("Zamioculcas" and "poison") did not find
anything substantive. As far as I can tell, this appears to be hysteria." Noted aroid
botanist Peter Boyce in Malaysia responded, "The best one circulating here in
Malaysia is that the pollen alone is enough to cause death in adult humans. I know of
NO science whatsoever to back-up these claims."

If you believe the plant is dangerous because it contains calcium oxalate

crystals you should know that the same chemical substance is found
in Parsley, Chives, Cassava, Spinach, Beet leaves, Carrot, Radish, Collards,
Bean, Brussels sprouts, Garlic, Lettuce, Watercress, Sweet potato, Turnip,
Broccoli, Celery, Eggplant, Cauliflower, Asparagus, Cabbage, Tomato, Pea,
Turnip greens, Potato, Onion, Okra, Pepper, Squash, Cucumbers, Corn and
other vegetables most of us eat on a daily basis. It is true some aroids can be
very distasteful and may even cause severe pain in the mouth and throat but
to claim they are "deadly poisonous" is without merit. Just because
something may taste really bad does not mean it will kill you. The best
possible advice is to simply not put an aroid leaf in your mouth but I assure
you aroids are eaten all over the world. Have you ever been to Hawaii and
had Poi? How about Jamaica, the Caribbean or South America and dined on
Callaloo, Taro, Dasheen, Dalo, Eddo or Potato of the Tropics? All
are Colocasia esculenta, a common aroid developed by the Chinese more
than 10,000 years ago as a staple diet. People eat it all over SE Asia every
day! (click the link to read more) If you are prone to believe falsely
elaborated internet rumors please read this link which provides information
based in science: Calcium oxalate crystals

If to this point you are finding some of the words we must use difficult to
comprehend we attempt to explain all of them as simply as possible at this
link:

New:

Understanding, pronouncing and using Botanical terminology, a

Glossary

How Zamioculcas zamiifolia grows in nature

Zamioculcas zamiifolia is found naturally growing in lowland forests on rocky
lightly shaded terrain (infrequently in deep shade) as well as dry grassland.
The species appears to enjoy moderately bright light and more than one
scientific observer has seen them growing in direct sunlight! This species
commonly becomes deciduous during dormancy! Becoming deciduous is the
natural dropping of the leaves during the dry season. If you found this site
because your plant has begun to drop leaflets the reason is natural. Your
plant is going dormant, likely due to insufficient water.

Once the leaflets begin to drop it is not uncommon for them to form a bulblet
or tubercle at the point where the rachis and petiolule supporting the leaflet
join. The petioles that support the rachis are green with darker blotches that
run transversally across the petiole. These leaflet tubercles allow the
regeneration of a new plant. The tubercles regularly develop at the juncture of
the rachis and petiolule. Despite incorrect information found on the internet
this species does not grow from a bulb or a corm. Although there is an
ongoing discussion among aroid botanists about the possibility of some plants
related to the Amorphophallus group growing from a "corm-like" unit,
technically all aroids that have an underground starch storage until only
grow from a tuber with some growing from tuberous roots. Despite claims on
some garden websites,Zamioculcas zamiifolia is not stem-less. Instead, the
ZZ or Zee Zee grows from a specialized form of stem known as a tuberous
rhizome. This underground tuber form, a crown with tuberous roots, is the

stem.

Since the plant can tolerate long periods without water the internet is filled
with half truths about this species that are not scientifically accurate. Yes, it
will survive, but that does not mean it will be comfortable. Despite the
information often offered, the plant needs water like any other plant and is
more inclined to drop all the leaves if not watered! During the native dry
season Zamioculcaszamiifolia does become totally deciduous and commonly
sheds all its leaflets while it waits for the rainy season to return. Those leaflets
are then capable of regenerating a new plant as a result of the tubercles that
can form on their petiolules.
The scientific text, The Genera of Araceae states this type of leaflet to plant
regeneration is not common under the heading Leaf tubercles and
regeneration: "Tubercles regularly develop at the juncture of leaflet and petiole in
Pinellia ternata (Hansen 1881, Linsbauer 1934, Troll 1939), at the apical end of
petiole in Typhonium bulbiferum (Sriboonma et al, 1994) and at the first and second
order divisions of the leaf of Amorphophallus bulbifer (Troll 1939)- Tubercles in
Pinellia may also form spontaneously along the petiole or can be induced in the basal
part by cutting into segments (Linsbauer 1934). Tubercles may develop in Typhonium
violifolium at the leaf apex, the petiole apex and at the apex of the sheath (Sriboonma
et al, 1994)."
"Regeneration of tubers, leaves and roots from leaf segments is well known in
Zamioculcas zamiifolia and Gonotapus boivinii (Engler 1881, Schubert 1913, Cutter
1962). Isolated entire leaflets of Zamioculcas and Gonatopus spontaneously develop
a basal swelling, followed by the formation of roots and up to 3 buds, over a 6-9 week
period for Zamioculcas. Leaf regeneration in Gonatopus is more rapid. The results
of experimental manipulation of isolated leaflets grown in culture show that any part
of the compound leaf is capable of regeneration".

Compound leaves, leaflets and a unique form of stem: a thickened Tuberous

Rhizome
IIn

the case of plants with pinnately compound leaves, such as Zamioculcas,

the arrangement f the separate leaflets is like the structure of a feather. The
portions of the leaf stalk where the leaflets are joined along a common axis is
known as the rachis (RAY-kis), Below this point the stalk is called the petiole
and it is in turn attached to the stem. Thus, rachis and petiole are terms used
to differentiate parts of the same structure which is composed of a number of

leaflets. While a palmately compound leaf blade consists of leaflets radiating

from a single point at the distal end of the petiole and have some some
resemblance to that of a hand, in either case the individual leaflets may be
sessile (not possessing a stalk) or supported by short stalks called petiolules.
Distal refers to region of an organ that is furthest away from the organ's point
of attachment. See the photo at the top of this page to understand the
position of all these plant parts.
Despite incorrect descriptions on well-meaning well sites, the petiole grows
from a central axis structure at or just below the surface of the soil known as a
rhizome. While one well known site states the plant can live for long periods
without water "due to the large potato-like rhizome that stores water until rainfall
resume", in the case of Zamioculcas the rhizome is somewhat tuberous or
tuberously thickened, but is neither large or potato-like. The rhizome does
however correctly exist for the purpose of water and food storage during the
dry season. The next time you repot your plant look at this organ carefully
and it will become obvious many sites describe it inaccurately.
Although "tubers" are potato-like starch storage units, the tuberous rhizome of
this species is highly specialized, different in shape and is somewhat difficult
to accurately describe to those not experienced in aroid botany. In the original
work (see below) it is described as being sub-cylindric but In this case the
rhizome resembles a crown and serves the purpose of a tuber, thus the stem.
It also possesses the buds for new growth.
If you are familiar with the term "tuberous roots", that term should not be
confused with the tuberous rhizome of Zamioculcas zamiifolia. Tuberous roots
are true root tissue that is swollen possessing tuberous portions that radiate
from a central flattened rhizome known as a crown. The tuberous roots do not
have buds but appear and act somewhat like tubers without being a true tuber
or stem. Each root has a portion of stem tissue attached but they are nutrientstoring root tissue with thickened fleshy parts. The tuberous roots typically
grow in a cluster and may also put out fibrous roots to take up moisture and
nutrients . Tuberous rhizome root systems often permit the plant to survive
difficult annual growing seasons that may kill the portion of the plant above the
soil. Although growers that are familiar with plants such as
a Philodendron often try to call the petiole a "stem", in the case of this species
the true stem (crown) is underground.
Tuberous roots do not have buds but appear and act somewhat like tubers
without precisely being a true tuber. Each root has a portion of stem tissue
attached but they are nutrient-storing root tissue with thickened fleshy parts.

The tuberous roots typically grow in a cluster and may also put out fibrous
roots to take up moisture and nutrients . Tuberous root systems often permit
the plant to survive difficult annual growing seasons that may kill the portion of
the plant above the soil. Although growers that are familiar with plants such
as a Philodendron often try to call the petiole a "stem", in the case of this
species the true stem (crown) is underground
The subject of tubers versus rhizomes and tuberous roots is often quite
complicated and not every definition on the subject is set in stone. Many
botanical references do not define these terms or qualify them clearly and the
plants themselves do not always abide by our predefined definitions. The
information presented here is done solely to make an effort to explain the
subject as simply as is possible for the average grower. The petioles are the
stalks that support the rachis and thus each leaflet and the petioles should not
be called "stems".
This link explains the difference between a stem and a petiole, bulbs, corms,
tubers and rhizomes.
Self duplication from nothing more than a fallen leaflet
When the leaflets fall to the ground they attempt to replicate themselves as a
natural reproductive process by growing a small tuberous rhizome which
forms naturally at the junction of the rachis and the leaflet but roots may
develop from other parts of the leaflet. Once the rainy season arrives the
habitat is no longer dry and the plant has managed to survive by duplicating
itself but can grow very well in a wetter growing situation. Plants that have
survived by appearing to be "dead" can then grow new leaflets.
The stem (central axis) of the plant is found underground as a crown
described as a tuberous rhizome. The tuber is correctly known as the
stem which supports the petiole that supports the petiolules and leaflets. The
petiole, rachis and petiolules are technically a part of a leaf or leaflet and
during the wet season both the stem and petiole swell to store water as do
other succulents. Being able to survive without water is a survival
characteristic, not a normal growing condition, so the ability to store water in a
water retention structure is vital to the long term survival of this species.
Since tubercles can be regenerated at the junction of the leaflet and rachis
this is one method from which a new plant can be naturally propagated by a
home grower. This characteristic is limited in the family Araceae (aroids)
to Zamioculcas zamiifolia and Gonotopus bovinnii. A very few other species

can be grown from a leaf cutting including some Amorphophallus species as

well as one known aquatic aroid.
Using this unique survival ability house plant growers may be able to grow
their own plant using this unique characteristics by placing a leaflet with a
petiolule in a a closeable clear salad container with a sandy soil mix also
containing a small amount of good soil, Perlite, and bark. With the adaxial
surface (upper side) facing upwards. Keep the high humidity in the container
by covering the leaflets with the lid or clear plastic kept in moderately bright
light. You may just be lucky enough to grow a new plant but be aware the
process is not rapid easily taking months!
The origins of the bad information on the internet.
Since I am aware that some "self declared experts" on a variety of websites
believe the information on this page is untrue I have elected to reprint portions
of the text from the scientific text The Genera of Araceae within the
article. Please recall that since the original information was written it has been
scientifically determined there is only a single species in the
genus Zamioculcas. You can decide for yourself if gardening advice should
take precedence over scientific evidence. Near the bottom of the page is the
major scientific evidence regarding this species from the ultimate authority on
plants, the Royal Botanic Garden Kew in London.
Many websites simply pass along growing ideas promoted by plant sellers
which sometimes work to the benefit of the seller, not the house plant grower.
Even though many sites incorrectly recommend to rarely water the plant if you
read a scientific text written by a botanical expert you will learn the ZZ plant
lives in a long period of wet followed by enduring the normal dry season. Just
because a plant can endure a drought does not indicate it prefers a drought.
Recommending to rarely or never water a specimen is very poor advice since
the plant needs both a wet season along with a somewhat drier period.
Leaving the plant constantly dry will only result in the eventual loss of the
leaflets and likely the plant if it is not quickly resuscitated with water.
If you check garden websites you will read where house plant growers
commonly ask why their ZZ plant is "dying" and loosing all the leaves when
they are "following the rules". Those are the same "rules" which advise
growers to rarely water the plant. Quite simply, those "rules" are not correct!
Because some growers don't understand what the term deciduous means
house plant growers tend to panic and think their plant is about to die. Had

the plant been watered regularly there is often no reason for the deciduous
period to even begin.
It would at least appear some sellers prefer not to tell customers to expect the
plant to drop its leaflets if kept dry since you are more likely to just buy a new
plant. In truth the condition is a natural part of the plant's growth and
reproductive cycle. The loss of all the leaflets does not indicate a plant is
almost dead but simply suffering as a result of a genetic survival ability and
poor growing growing conditions. If you starve a plant for water the plant is
going to do exactly what Nature designed it to do and go into its survival
mode. Without the water to work with the chlorophyll to produce sugars the
plant has no source of natural food.
Some sites including eHow also give very poor advice on how to grow the
plant including recommending the use of "rich soil". Even though a specimen
can survive for an amazingly long period of time in rich soil that holds water
that does not mean the plant enjoys the condition in which it is being forced to
survive. The information to use rich soil is not based in science since the
plant grows naturally in fast draining sandy soil.

Proper soil mixtures and why rich soil can kill your plant
Rich soil eventually suffocates as well as "drowns" a specimen causing the
tuberous roots to rot due to the growth of saprophytes. A saprophyte is an
organism such as a fungus or bacterium that grows on and derives
nourishment from dead or decaying organic matter. When the roots
of Zamioculcas zamiifolia are kept in wet soil they cannot easily gather oxygen
and thus begin to decay. The end result is rapidly rotting roots and eventually
a dead plant.
Following Mother Nature's example the soil mixture should be close to that
used for cacti and should contain some soil along with a greater volume of
sand, gravel and materials including Perlite that will slowly allow the roots to
gather moisture while not being starved for oxygen. The plant should be
regularly watered but not allowed to stay wet! In nature the ZZ can survive for
long periods only as a naked petiole but as a house plant it certainly won't be
attractive without the leaflets. Just as a human or animal can uncomfortably
survive for periods of time with no food and water so can the ZZ plant. Even
though nature has designed the species to survive with little water that does
not mean it should be purposely dehydrated! The assumption the ZZ plant

should be kept dry year round is a total internet myth and house plant seller's
fabrication.
It appears sellers are actually promoting this plant as a house plant because
they claim you can forget to water it for long periods of time. For short periods
perhaps, but not indefinitely! The plant may survive but it will also not prosper
and in time will look quite bad just as your cat or dog would look terrible if not
fed and watered. It is likely a very large number of plants are thrown away
every year once all the leaflets drop because the grower incorrectly believes it
is dead. In most cases, unless the plant has endured a very long spell without
water, it can be easily saved with time and water!
This message came from aroid botanist Peter Boyce who is one of the
authors of The Genera of Araceae published by the Royal Botanic Garden
Kew in London. Pete lives and works in Malaysia, "It is a very popular plant,
especially with the Chinese, who regard it as lucky (i.e., bringing in money) by the
way it can regenerate by the leaflets. Here we grow it either in pots of red soil
(mainly derived from local ultisols of pH 4-5) mixed with 1/5 bulk coarse sand to give
a water permeable mix that is high in nutrients, or in the open ground in medium
shade. In both 'habitats' plants will receive water virtually every day either from
rainfall (Kuching receives ca. 5 m per annum) or in times of no rain then from hand
watering. In such conditions plants grow very quickly, producing a new leaf every 3 4 weeks. A plant raised from a single leaflet will carry 12 - 15 leaves and ca. 75 cm
tall within a year. The one caveat to giving so much water is that our temperatures are
permanently high; minimum 22 C nighttime and 28 C daytime with maxima of 26 C
and 36 C respectively. Humidity averages 80%." Since Pete was quoting
temperatures in Celsius it should be noted those temps would be the
equivalent of very warm in the United States.

Despite what you've read, the ZZ is not a Philodendron, a palm nor an orchid
Despite information on a few websites this species is not a Philodendron. The
genus Philodendron is found only in the Neotropics which include the
Caribbean, southern Mexico, as well as Central and South America.
Although Philodendron are grown by individuals all over the world, they are
naturally found only in the Neotropics and not in Africa or Asia. The only
relationship between the genus Philodendron (over 1000 species) and the
genus Zamioculcas (containing one species) is both genera are aroids. The
common name "succulent Philodendron" is a very poor choice for a common
name!

Zamioculcas zamiifolia is also not an orchid nor a palm even though at least
one website is saying the species is an orchid! Orchid species produce very
distinctive flowers which always contain three petals and three
sepals. Zamioculcas zamiifolia does not produce a "flower". Instead the ZZ
produces an inflorescence with a spathe and spadix. There are very tiny
flowers on the spadix when it is ready to be pollinated, but you would need a
magnifying glass to see them. All the synonym names listed above are now
considered to be the same species: Zamioculcas zamiifolia. They differ only
due to natural variation. Variation is explained later in this article.
Most Zamioculcas zamiifolia are mass produced for sale. The majority of
specimens sold in discount nurseries are not grown from seed but instead
created in a laboratory by a chemical process known as tissue culture (TC or
cloning). The genetic material was extracted from an adult plant, replicated in
a laboratory and grown in a lab dish. Once the plants begin to form they are
then grown in multi-chambered trays before being sold to a commercial
grower who transfers each plant to an individual pot.
This strange plant has been reported on some websites to reach a maximum
height of approximately 50cm or 20 inches, butZamioculcas zamiifolia can
grow much larger. The debate is a result of a discovery by aroid botanists
who have recently been required through scientific study to combine all the
synonyms (other names for the same species) into the single species
of Zamioculcas zamiifolia. Interestingly the basionym for the species
is Caladium zamiaefolium even though the only relationship between the
genus Zamioculcas and the genus Caladium is both are aroids. A basionym is
the original name applied to the taxon (species). The word is composed of
"basio" from the Latin meaning basis, from the Greek "bainein" meaning step,
and "nym" also from the Latin word "nomen" which means name. A
basionym is the first step in the naming process. The confusion arose many
years ago when botanists had yet to clearly define all the species in the family
Araceae and simply had no idea which genus properly fit the strange plant. At
one time the species names including Zamioculcas loddigesii, Zamiacaulcas
zamiifolia and Zamioculcas lanceolata were considered to be unique species
but all are now considered to be the single species Zamioculcas
zamiifolia. The difference in all the names appears to have been only the size
of the plant or other non-significant differences due to natural variation.

The Natural variation in aroids

Within aroids variation in leaf shape, plant size and other characteristics is
common. As a result many aroid species have multiple characteristics which
serve to confuse novice collectors. The final determination of the species is
found within the of the inflorescence of the plant which contains the sexual
parts. If those sexual parts are the same from plant to plant then they are the
same species. Consider natural variation to be like human beings. We have
many different faces, hair color, skin color and body sizes but is only a single
species of human beings.
Even though you will later read in this article a reference to "other species",
noted and frequently published aroid expert Julius Boos pointed out in a post
on the aroid discussion forum Aroid l (L), "The genus East African Zamioculcas,
as presently understood, consists of just one widespread but variable species,
Zamioculcas zamiifolia (Loddiges) Engler. This may be confirmed by reading the two
most recent works on the genus, Pg. 149 of "The Genera of Araceae" by S.J. Mayo, J.
Bogner, and P.C. Boyce, and a recent update in "Aroideana", Vol 28, 2005, pg. 3, by
Josef Bogner. You may note that in the article in Aroideana, figs. 4-6, pg. 7, Josef
notes that Z. "lancifolia" is a synonym of Z. zamioculcas." Aroideana is the annual
publication of the International Aroid Society.
Aroids are a fairly large group of approximately 3800 species of plants that
reproduce by the production of an inflorescence (see photo below of the
spathe and spadix of Zamioculcas zamiifolia). You have likely seen an aroid
inflorescence if you have ever grown a Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum). If
pollinated by an appropriate insect, brown berries will develop on the spadix
and those berries are ellipsoid in shape and will produce seeds. The berries
grow on the sides of the upright spadix at the center of the spathe and the pair
is known as an inflorescence. On any aroid that spathe is not a flower but is
instead simply a modified leaf. The ZZ plant normally produces one to two
inflorescences during its natural reproductive period.

Sexual reproduction
Little is known by science as to the sexual reproduction of this aroid species.
However, it is easily reproduced from a single leaf. Julius explains, "I believe
that there may not be photos of fruit developing on this most interesting African aroid
Zamioculcas zamiifolia because it is so easy to reproduce by just sticking a leaflet in
the soil as is its close relative Gonotopus! Zamioculcas belongs to the group of aroids
which produce unisexual blooms. In other words they produce spadices consisting of
separate zones. The female zone is at the base with the male zone and sometimes with

one or rarely a couple of sterile zones arranged above the female zone. From
illustrations of the spadix of this genus it would appear that there is a vary narrow
sterile zone between the female and male zones. It should be a fairly simple matter for
an owner of one of these plants at maturity (and with several blooms
developing/opening), to select the most mature bloom when it is at male anthesis after
the bloom has opened fully and is visibly producing pollen and to collect pollen on a
small brush wetted with distilled water and transfer this pollen to the female zone of
another younger bloom just as it is beginning to open. One may have to carefully cut
away a bit of the spathe to get at the female zone. It may take a few attempts to get the
timing right as I speak in general terms here. I have always been interested in the
pollinators and strategy for pollination which Zamioculcas seems to employ. The
blooms are produced on short peduncles almost at ground level. As they mature they
lean over on the peduncle and as they open the spathe sort of unrolls toward ground
level, seemingly to provide a ramp or ''red carpet'' to facilitate visiting insects walking
on the ground, perhaps ants or terrestrial beetles in its home range! If one is
successful in pollination and fruit/seed production, it will be most interesting to learn
what strategy is employed by this plant for dispersal of its fruit and seed, based on the
size and texture of its fruit and seeds, to speculate what insects or birds or mammals
might be the distributors!" A peduncle is the stalk-like support for an
inflorescence and is
theinternode between the
spathe and the last foliage
leaf.
Pollination of Zamioculcas
zamiifolia is caused by a
unique set of circumstances
devised by nature. As with
virtually all aroids and
numerous other plant species
a single insect pollinator
species has been assigned
the task of collecting pollen
from a plant producing
mature male flowers at male
anthesis and then transports
that pollen to the sexually
mature female flowers of
another plant during female
anthesis. The female flowers which are receptive to pollen are separated from
the male flowers which produce that pollen via a zone of sterile male flowers.

The spadix is known to have a bi-sexual inflorescence containing the male,

sterile male and female flowers in distinct zones. This technique is used to
prevent self pollination but in some species that is still possible.
It is unknown for certain if this species is capable of self pollination and
science is not currently aware of the exact insect species involved in the
process. The male of that insect species is attracted to the mature female
flowers which grow along the spadix by a unique pheromone or perfume. A
single molecule of that pheromone can be detected at great distances by the
olfactory senses of the male insect. Although not completely documented, to
a male insect that pheromone may smell similar to the female of his own
species who is ready to be impregnated. As the spathe reaches sexual
maturity it reflexes once the small female flowers along the spadix are ready
to be pollinated. Once ready, the peduncle which is always short and is the
structure that supports the inflorescence curves in to move the inflorescence
towards the ground to the point of contact. If pollinated the berries that
contain the seeds will be white.
As explained by Julius, the goal of the plant appears to be to reach the ground
thus facilitating possible ground dwelling pollinators such as an ant or beetle
to climb into the tiny blooms in to spread pollen from other specimens to the
female flowers thus causing pollination. For those scientifically inclined, the
entire process is explained in detail in the scientific text The Genera of
Araceae by botanists Dr. Simon Mayo, J. Bogner and P.C. Boyce on page
146 and following. You should be aware this text is quite costly and written
using scientific terminology. If you elect to read it bring along a botanical
dictionary. If you are interested in learning more about aroid pollination please
find the link at the bottom of this page which will lead you to a basic
introduction into aroid sexual reproduction.
The species is highly variable and there are specimens that are substantially
taller than the published "maximum" height on some websites. Individual
specimens attain a variety of sizes largely due to growing conditions.
Zamioculcas zamiifolia grows with all its glossy leaflets facing in one direction,
a structure known to botany as pinnate leaves. Pinnate leaves are those
arranged similar to the fronds of a palm. The plant's structure is likely to have
led to the common name "Aroid Palm". This link offers a more complete
explanation in non-technical language regarding natural variation and
morphogenesis within aroid species Natural variation.

Potting your plant

Experienced growers who understand aroid species frequently recommend
planting a specimen in well draining soil such as a moisture control mix with
more than 50% sand and Perlite added. Most experts advise not to keep
the roots of this species in mud and to avoid "off the shelf" potting soil mixes.
If you have attempted to pot your plant in Miracle Grow or other soggy
soil repot it now!

Differences of opinion
Since this species is an aroid, in the first week of August, 2007 one of the
world's best known aroid botanists, Dr. Thomas B. CroatPh.D., P.A. Schulze
Curator of Botany of the Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, MO. asked
a group of well qualified aroid growers, experts, researchers, some botanists
and numerous professional aroid growers from all over the world this question
via thediscussion group Aroid l (L). Dr. Croat does not specialize in African
species, "A colleague here at the Gardens asks what are the best soil conditions and
general care for this species. We have it in the greenhouse where it thrives but do any
of you grow it in your house. Does it require special care? I would appreciate it if
anyone has any advise."
The answers to his question was varied and may surprise you!
"The plant is nearly bullet proof. If you grow it in a house it will grow very slowly. In
a greenhouse it will grow like mad. Mine was 10 cm tall, in a room with no natural
light and rare waterings after a year it looked the same. Moved to the greenhouse fed
and watered it, and in a year it was more than a meter tall."
"My daughter gave me one about two years ago. I read everything i could find and
according to what I can locate Zamioculcas zamiifolia enjoys drier arid conditions.
Supposedly, it likes water in the rainy season and little moisture during the dry
season. That just didn't fit into the way I grow aroids in my tropical atrium, so I just
planted it! In fact, it is just feet away from my large Anthurium regale. The plant is
watered as often as all the other tropical aroids and does just fine! It is in very lose
soil with lots of sand added. But other than that, we don't do anything special. To be
honest, I wasn't crazy about the thing. But my daughter read it was an aroid so she
got it for me. It may eventually not survive, but for several years it has tolerated my
"tropical conditions" well."

"I agree with what (name removed) reported, both on what research will tell you the
plant wants, some moisture and then a dry season, and on what his reality was, and
mine as well. We planted ours in an upper planter pocket in the rain forest simulation
at UNC Charlotte, where it was fairly well drained but pretty constant moisture as
well, and it just thrived, flowered, the whole nine yards. It got some sun, but not much
- just good bright light, well drained soil, and good moisture. It got real good sized
for us under those conditions."
"Keep it well drained. It can be grown in an orchid compost (tough or graded bark
mixed with an equiv volume of peat moss) or peat moss - perlite (5-0 mm) equiv mix
or in sand (5-0 mm) - peat 3:1 mix. I got an over watered one and I kept it dry for 2
months now it looks better."
Many of these folks are professionals and botanical experts, others simply
collectors. Just put it in sandy soil and do your thing! In fact, it seems the
people who water it more may actually have better results with better growth
and a healthier plant! The key appears to be in having well draining sandy
soil. Obviously there is no single path to the perfect growing of Zamioculcas
zamiifolia . Every grower needs to do their own research and find what works
best. As for how much to water the answer appears to be water as much as
you like but if you want it to prosper more than you are likely offering the plant
right now, especially if your specimen is not "growing like a weed" .

Soggy soil, sandy soil that drains and oxygen

If your plant is in soggy potting soil get it out! If it is totally dry, Water it!
Despite what some self proclaimed "expert" may insist on a plant forum, all
plants need water in order to combine with carbon dioxide in order for the
chlorophyll inside the leaflets to produce carbohydrates in the form of sugars
to feed the plant. As a part of this natural photosynthesis the sugars provide
sustenance to the plant and the byproduct of oxygen is then returned to the
atmosphere for other living organisms to breathe. Plants also draw in oxygen
through the roots which is why it is imperative the soil the plant lives in be
extremely porous (both loose and sand based). If you choose not to water the
plant it has no choice other than to eventually go dormant in order to survive.
If still left dry for long periods of time it will eventually cease to exist as a living
organism. For some length of time it is likely to look beautiful but one day IT
WILL GO DORMANT. Without photosynthesis which requires light and water
no plant can life indefinitely since they will eventually starve to death and in

order to preserve its own life as long as possible it will simply slip into
dormancy and appear dead.

Advice from the scientists

Please be sure and read their explanation regarding where this plant grows in
nature: "ECOLOGY: tropical moist forest, savannas; geophytes on forest floor or in
stony ground." This species does not grow in a desert as is commonly
advised. Instead, it grows in tropical moist forests as well as in savannas and
on stony ground!

My thanks to Dylan Hannon, Curator, Conservatory and Tropical Collections at the

Huntington Library, Art Collections and Botanical Gardens for his assistance in
explaining the tuberous rhizome root system. Additional thanks to Jonthan Ertlet for
his additional clarifications.

The scientific treatment of Zamioculcas zamiifolia:

From the Royal Botanic Garden Kew website, CATE Araceae

Tuber subcylindric, 3-4 cm. in diameter or more, tough, woody. LEAVES: Petiole
green with darker transverse blotches, 15-35 cm. long, 1-2 cm. in diameter near base;
blade 20-40 cm. long; leaflets 4-8 per side, subopposite, distant, oblong-ovate to -elliptic
to -obovate, sometimes oblanceolate, fleshy, dark glossy green, 5-15 cm. long, 1.5-5
cm. broad, shortly acuminate, sessile or shortly petiolulate, articulated to rhachis,
cuneate to rounded basally; rhachis terete, marked like
petiole. INFLORESCENCE: Peduncle 3-20 cm. long, 0.4-1 cm. in diameter, erect at first
recurving strongly in fruit, pushing infructescence into ground-litter. Spathe 5-8 cm. long,
coriaceous; tube shortly cylindric to ellipsoid, 1-1.5 cm. long, 1-2 cm. in diameter, green
on outer surface; limb broadly oblong-ovate, 5-6 cm. long, 3.5-5.5 cm. broad, rounded
and cuspidate at tip, pale green to whitish or yellow. Spadix 5-7 cm. long; staminate part
cylindric to clavate, 4-5 cm. long, 1-1.5 cm. in diameter, narrowed at base; pistillate part
shortly cylindric-ellipsoid, 1-2 cm. long, 0.7-1.7 cm. in diameter. Tepals white; stigmas
yellowish. INFRUCTESCENCE: Berry white, surrounded by persistent tepals, with
septal suture, up to 1.2 cm. broad, 1-2-seeded. Seeds brown, ellipsoid, 0.8 cm. long,
0.5 cm. broad.

Zamioculcas Schott, Syn. Aroid. 71 (1856). TYPE: Z loddigesii Schott, nom.

illeg. {Caladmm zamiaejbUum Loddiges, Z. zamiifolia (Loddiges) Engler).
HABIT: seasonally dormant or evergreen herb with short, very thick rhizome.
LEAVES: few to many, erect, leaflets deciduous during dormancy leaving
persistent petiole. PETIOLE: terete, base greatly thickened and succulent,
geniculate at apex, sheath ligulate, free almost to the base, very short,
inconspicuous. BLADE: pinnatisect, leaflets oblong-elliptic, thickly coriaceous,
capable of rooting at base once shed and forming new plants; primary lateral
veins of each leaflet pinnate, running into marginal vein, higher order venation
reticulate. INFLORESCENCE: 12 in each floral sympodium, held at ground
level. PEDUNCLE: very short. SPATHE: entirely persistent to fruiting stage,
slightly constricted between tube and blade, green without, whitish within, tube
convolute, blade longer than tube, expanded and horizontally reflexed at
anthesis. SPADIX: sessile, female zone subcylindric, separated from male
zone by short constricted zone bearing sterile flowers, male zone cylindric,
ellipsoid to clavate, fertile to apex. FLOWERS: unisexual, perigoniate; tepals
4, in two whorls, decussate. MALE FLOWER: tepals subprismatic, apex
thickened, stamens 4, free, shorter than tepals, filaments free, oblong, thick,
somewhat flattened, anthers introrse, connective slender, thecae ovateellipsoid, dehiscing by apical slit, pistillode clavate, equalling tepals. POLLEN:
extruded in strands, extended monosulcate to perhaps fully zonate, ellipsoid,
large (mean 60 urn.), exine thick, fossulate-foveolate, apertural exine
verrucate. STERILE FLOWERS: each consisting of 4 tepals surrounding a
clavate pistillode. FEMALE FLOWER: tepals strongly thickened apically, st
ami nodes lacking, gynoe-cium equalling tepals, ovary ovoid, 2-locular, ovules
1 per locule, hemianatropous, funicle very short, placenta axile near base of
septum, stylar region attenuate, stigma large, disco id-capitate. BERRY:
depressed-globose with furrow at septum, 12-seeded, surrounded by
persistent tepals, white, infructescence ellipsoid. SEED: ellipsoid, test a
smooth, brown, raphe conspicuous, embryo large, rich in starch, endosperm
nearly absent, present only as a few cell layers at chalazal end.

Zamioculcas zamiifolia plant named LUCKY

US PP23594 P2
ABSTRACT
A new and distinct Zamioculcas zamiifolia cultivar named LUCKY is disclosed, characterized by rounded
leaves and a short, compact plant habit. The new variety is a Zamioculcas zamiifolia, normally produced
as an ornamental plant.

IMAGES(1)

CLAIMS(1)
What is claimed is:
1. A new and distinct cultivar of Zamioculcas zamiifolia plant named LUCKY as herein illustrated and
described.

DESCRIPTION
Latin name of the genus and species: Zamioculcas zamiifolia.
Variety denomination: LUCKY.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The new Zamioculcas zamiifolia cultivar is a product of a chance discovery by the inventor, Edward
Bruinen, in Maasdijk, The Netherlands. The inventor identified and selected the interesting mutation
ofZamioculcas zamiifolia and proceeded to test its suitability for ornamental commercial applications.
The parent is an unpatented, unnamed variety of Zamioculcas zamiifolia. The new variety was discovered
in September 2003, by the inventor as a naturally occurring whole plant mutation, in a commercial
greenhouse in Maasdijk, The Netherlands.
Asexual reproduction of the new cultivar LUCKY by vegetative cuttings was first performed at a
commercial greenhouse in Maasdijk, The Netherlands in September 2007 and has shown that the unique
features of this cultivar are stable and reproduced true to type in successive generations. Plants of the
new variety have not been sold at the time of filing this application.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The cultivar LUCKY has not been observed under all possible environmental conditions. The phenotype
may vary somewhat with variations in environment such as temperature, day length, and light intensity,
without, however, any variance in genotype.

The following traits have been repeatedly observed and are determined to be the unique characteristics of
LUCKY These characteristics in combination distinguish LUCKY as a new and distinct Zamioculcas
zamiifolia cultivar:

1. Unique round shaped foliage.

2. Short and compact plant habit.

Plants of the new cultivar LUCKY are similar to plants of the parent, Zamioculcas zamiifolia. in most
horticultural characteristics, however, plants of the new cultivar LUCKY produce round leaves compared
to the ovate leaves of the parent. The leaf apex of LUCKY is rounded whereas the parent has an
acuminate leaf apex. Additionally, the plant shape of LUCKY is somewhat more compact than that of the
parent.
COMMERCIAL COMPARISON
Plants of LUCKY are best compared to the parent variety.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE PHOTOGRAPHS
The accompanying photograph in FIG. 1 illustrates in full color a typical plant of LUCKY grown in a
greenhouse, in a 17 cm pot. Age of the plant photographed is approximately 13 months from a rooted
cutting. The photographs were taken using conventional techniques and although colors may appear
different from actual colors due to light reflectance it is as accurate as possible by conventional
photographic techniques.
DETAILED BOTANICAL DESCRIPTION
In the following description, color references are made to The Royal Horticultural Society Colour Chart
2001 except where general terms of ordinary dictionary significance are used. The following observations
and measurements describe LUCKY plants grown in a greenhouse, in Maasdijk, The Netherlands. The
growing temperature ranged from 20 C. during the day to 18 C. during the night. General light
conditions are normal sunlight. Measurements and numerical values represent averages of typical plant
types. Plants are approximately 13 months old from a rooted cutting.

Botanical classification: Zamioculcas zamiifolia LUCKY.

PROPAGATION

Time to initiate roots: About 14-21 days at approximately 22 C.

Root description: Moderately free branched, thick, non-fibrous, non-fleshy, coloured grey-brown;
199B.

Time to produce rooted plantlet: Approximately 4-5 weeks at approximately 22 C.

PLANT

Growth habit: Upright, narrow inverted triangular.

Plant shape: Narrow inverted triangular.

Height: Approximately 34.6 cm to top of highest leaf.

Plant spread: Approximately 29.9 cm in a 17 cm pot.

Growth rate: Moderate.

Branching characteristics: Not branching, leaves grow directly from a basal clump.

Number of clumps: Average: 1.

Number of stems per clump: Average 6.

Number of leaves per plant: Approximately 66.

Age of plant described: Approximately 13 months.

FOLIAGE

Leaf:
o

Arrangement.Leaves alternately paripinnate.

Average length (excluding petiole).Approximately 19.5 cm (measured from

lowest leaflet to top).

Leaflets:
o

Average width.Approximately 12.7 cm.

Shape of blade.Leaflets ovate to elliptic.

Average length.Approximately 5.8 cm.

Average width.Approximately 3.9 cm.

Aspect.Flat to somewhat undulating along margin.

Apex.Rounded.

Base.Rounded.

Margin.Entire.

Texture of top surface.Smooth, very glossy.

Texture of bottom surface.Smooth, very glossy (but slightly less than upper
side).

Color.Young foliage upper side: Near RHS Green 143A. Young foliage under
side: Near RHS Yellow-Green 144A. Mature foliage upper side: Near RHS Green
141A. Mature foliage under side: Near RHS Green, 143A.

Venation:
o

Type.Pinnate.

Venation coloration upper side.Near RHS Green 143A.

Venation coloration under side.Near RHS Yellow-Green 144A.

Rachis:
o

Length.Approximately 24.7 cm.

Width.At narrowest point: Approximately 0.3 cm. Above clump: Approximately

1.8 cm.

Color.Near RHS Yellow-Green 147B.

Strength.Very strong.

Texture.Smooth, dull, glabrous.

Other structures: None present.

FLOWER

Typically non flowering: No flowers, no reproductive organs observed.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS

Seed production: Not observed to date.

Disease resistance: Neither resistance nor susceptibility to diseases or pests has been observed
in this variety.

Temperature tolerance: Low temperature tolerance to at least 5 C., high temperatures to at least
40 C.

Drought tolerance: Moderate tolerance for drought.

Zamioculcas zamiifolia

Zamioculcas zamiifolia ENGL.

ARACEAE

70 - 90 cm
10

134B / 229143

Taxonomy
Divisio:
Magnoliophyta
Subdivisio:
Magnoliophytina
Classis:
Liliopsida
Subclassis:
Aridae
Superordo:
Aranae
Ordo:
Arales
[Modify] [Versions]

Zamioculcas zamiifolia is a succulent perennial.

Contents

[hide]

1 Naming
2 Taxonomy
3 Characteristics
o

3.1 Growth

3.2 Leaves

3.3 Flowers and Fruits

3.4 Root System

4 Distribution
5 Cultivation
6 Uses
7 Maintenance and Propagation
8 Cultivars
9 Pests and Diseases
10 Literature
11 Non-commercial Links

Naming
Zamioculcas zamiifolia was already described and the name validly published by Conrad
Loddiges. It was Heinrich Gustav Adolf Engler, however, who reclassified it into todays valid
botanical systematics .

Taxonomy
Zamioculcas zamiifolia is the only species in the genus Zamioculcas which belongs to
the family of theAraceae (Arum Family).

Characteristics
Growth
The perennials reach heights of 70 to 90 centimetres.

Leaves
Zamioculcas zamiifolia is evergreen. The green, imparipinnate leaves are opposite.
The leaflets are elliptic and have entire margins.

Flowers and Fruits

Zamioculcas zamiifolia produces solitary green spathae.
The perennials produce berries.

Root System

Distribution
Zamioculcas zamiifolia is native to East Africa.

Cultivation
The perennials prefer a half-shady situation on moderately moist soil. The substrate should
be sandy-loamy or gritty-loamy soil. They tolerate temperatures only above at least
1C (USDA zone 10).

Uses
The ornamental value of Zamioculcas zamiifolia lies especially in the ornamental leaves.

Maintenance and Propagation

The plants usually need very little maintenance.

jasminum sambac, a popular species in the genus Jasmine is also the National
Flower of Indonesia where it is known as Melati, and the Philippines, where it is
known as Sampaguita.

The Jasmine is a very popular flower around the world especially in the
tropics because of its unique fragrance. The Jasmine is native
to tropical and warm or temperate regions of the old world.

The Jasmine flowers are white in most species, with some species being
yellow. The Jasmine is believed to have originated in the Himalayas in
western China.
Kingdom
Plantae
Division
Magnoliophyta

Class
Magnoliopsida
Order
Lamiales
Family
Oleaceae
Genus
Jasminum

Unlike most genera in the Oleceae family, which have four corolla lobe
petals,Jasmines often have five or six lobes. Jasmines are often strong
and sweet scented. Jasmines are widely cultivated for their shining leaves
and beautiful clusters of fragrant flowers.
Flowering in Jasmines takes place in summer or spring which is usally six
months after planting. The Jasmine flower releases its fragrance at night
after the sun has set and especially when the moon is waxing towards
fullness. Jasmine flower buds are more fragrant than the flowers.
There exists a true Jasmine and a false Jasmine, and the two are commonly
mistaken for each other because of the fragrance the plants release.
The true Jasmine belongs to the family Oleaceae and is primarily a bushy
shrub or a climbing vine and is non-poisonous.
True Jasmines have oval, shiny leaves and tubular, waxy-white flowers. The
false Jasmine on the other hand is in a completely different genus,
Gelsemium, and family, Loganiaceae, which is considered too poisonous for
human consumption.

Facts About Jasmine

Jasmine shrubs reach a height of 10-15 feet, growing approximately 12-24

inches per year.

Jasmine leaves are either evergreen or deciduous.
A Jasmine leaf is arranged opposite in most species. The leaf shape is simple,
trifoliate or pinnate with 5-9 leaflets, each up to two and half inches long.
The Jasmine stems are slender, trailing, green, glabrous, angled, and almost
4-sided.

Most of the Jasmine species bear white flowers, which are about 1 inch in
size.
The Jasmine oil, which is a very popular fragrant oil, contains benzyl
acetate, terpinol, jasmone, benzyl benzoate, linalool, several alcohols, and other
compounds.
The variety Jasminium sambac, is a clustered flower of an equally strong
scent known in Hawaii as the Pikake.
The two types of Jasmine which are used for oil production are the Jasminum
grandiflorum and Jasminum officinale.
The nectar of the fragrant flowers of Carolina Jasmine, Gelsemium
sempervirens, is poisonous, although its dried roots are used as a sedative in
medicinal preparations.
The Jasmine flower oil, extracted from the two species Jasminum Officinale
and Grandiflorum, is used in high-grade perfumes and cosmetics, such as
creams, oils, soaps, and shampoos.

Growing Jasmine Flowers

Jasmines grow well in moist, well drained, sandy loam to clayey garden soil

with moderate level of fertility.

Jasmines prefer a full sun to partial shade and a warm site.
Jasmine bushes should be planted during June to November.
Jasmine plant should be kept at least eight feet apart in order to save the
later growth of the plant from jamming together.
Adding of leaf molds to the soil makes a better growth of the plant.
Mild fertilizer should be applied during spring.
Plenty of water should be given during summer.
Jasmine plants should be provided with full sunlight up to at least four hours
a day.

Also have a look at so