Ceratozamia
(from keras, a horn, and Zamia, another genus of Cycadaceoe, which this much resembles; in reference to the horned scales of the cones). ORD. Cycadaceoe. Stove plants, distinguished from Zamia in having the thickened apices of the scales of the male and female cones bicornute (i.e., two-horned), instead of hornless. Leaflets articulated. Trunks short. They require a moist atmosphere, and a compost of rich light loam and rotten leaves. Propagated by seeds, and sometimes by suckers and divisions; but imported plants give most satisfaction.
C. fusco-viridis (dusky-green).* l. 3ft. to 4ft. long, broadly pinnate, of a fine arching habit; pinnae deep green, 6in. to 7in. long, sessile, lanceolate, and tapering to a longish point. Trunk furnished with broadish scales, surrounding each of the leafstalks, which are nearly terete above and asperous along the edges. Young leaves of a rich bronzy-chocolate colour, but gradually changing to olive-green and, finally, deep green. Mexico, 1879.
C. Kusteriana (Kuster's). l. 2ft. to 4ft. long, pinnate, spreading; pinnae semi-lunate, tapering to a sharp point, coriaceous, 6in. to 10in. long, about 1/2in. broad, dark green. Mexico.
C. mexicana (Mexican).* Male: l. pinnate, about 6ft. long; pinnae coriaceous, sessile, cordate-lanceolate, tapering to a sharp point, 9in. to 12in. long, 1 1/2in. broad, dark green; petioles spiny for about half their length, very stout at the base. Mexico. Female: l. pinnate, 3ft. to 4ft. long, pendulous; pinnae 6in. to 10in. long, tapering to a point, rich dark green on both surfaces; naked portion of petiole armed with short white spines. Stem stout. Mexico.
C. Miqueliana (Miquel's).* l. pinnate, spreading; pinnae coriaceous, oblong, abruptly tapering to a point, 6in. to 12in. long, 2in. broad, dark green. Stem slender. Mexico.