PLANTS
GARDEN FOCUS
A BEAUTIFUL RELIC CYCAD Lepidozamia peroffskyana Family Zamiaceae This is one of the slow-growing, long-lived cycads that is a relic of the species that were abundant in the Mesozoic era, many millions of years ago. This Australian cycad species is interesting and attractive at all stages of its growth. It was first scientifically described in 1857 by a Russian botanist, from a specimen growing in St. Petersburg. One wonders how it got there! The species occurs naturally on rainforest margins and sheltered slopes, from sea level to around 1,000m height, in an area roughly from Gympie in Queensland to Taree in NSW. There is one other species in this genus of cycad in Australia which is Lepidozamia hopei. This species occurs naturally in Queensland in an area north of Ingham,
from sea level to the tablelands around 1,000m above sea level. It is one of the largest of all cycads growing in Australia. It can be grown in tubs or in the ground, ideally in filtered sun or complete shade. Cycads are not related to palms but their arching, spreading fronds are palm-like in their structure. The Royal Botanic Garden has more than one specimen of this species but the one to seek out is close to the western edge of the Palm Grove in bed 25. It has a thick solitary trunk from ground level that branches out into four corner trunks. The shiny, stiff fronds, with masses of narrow, sharp dark green leaflets arch out from the thick stems. Clearly, conditions where it is growing are ideal. Dappled sunlight, with shelter from strong wind and soil that does not dry out readily have allowed this fine specimen to flourish
over the years. Over very many decades this cycad has been known to grow 5–6m in height. These interesting and attractive plants are not difficult to grow. They must have well drained soil or potting mix and regular, deep watering until they are well established. Mulching the soil or potting mix surface helps maintain soil moisture in warm, dry weather too. Occasional applications of weak, liquid fertiliser may be helpful in the early stages of growth. Growing Friends Plant Sales sometimes has young, seedling plants of this cycad for sale. In my view, these plants are interesting and attractive at all times. It is always thought-provoking to grow a plant knowing that the species dates back to the Age of Dinosaurs! Margaret Hanks, Growing Friends, Royal Botanic Garden Sydney
THE GARDENS AUTUMN 2021 29
