Ceratozamia zaragozae

Ceratozamia zaragozae originates in shaded pine and oak forests in the state of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, at about 8500 feet in altitude. It is among the most cold-tolerant of Ceratozamias, handling frost as well as high temperatures.

Ceratozamia zaragozae is a small to medium-sized cycad which in nature develops an ovoid trunk eventually reaching 8-10 inches in height, with an additional length of trunk below ground. Its leaves emerge with brown woolly hairs, growing at maturity to 3 feet long. They are dark green and shiny, with leaflets emerging from the leaf spirally twisted.

Endangered in its native habitat, Ceratozamia zaragozae is popular among collectors. It prefers a shady, moist position in well drained soil.