Possibly from the Greek azaniae - pine cones; referring to the similarity of the cones of this genus to those of pine trees.

Stem forming a short trunk that may be buried underground. Leaves stipulate. Leaflets narrow to broad, leathery, jointed at the base. Cones stalkless to long-stalked; scales hexagonal to almost quadrangular, arranged edge to edge in vertical columns.

The genus is in need of revision.

Many species are under threat in the wild.

c. 50 species from the Americas and Caribbean.

Propagation:  Seed and occasionally suckers.

Recognition: Leaflets jointed at the base; tips of cone scales generally six-sided and arranged edge to edge in vertical columns

 

Source: Spencer, R. (1995). Zamiaceae. In: Spencer, R.. Horticultural Flora of South-eastern Australia. Volume 1, Ferns, conifers & their allies. The identification of garden and cultivated plants. University of New South Wales Press.

Updated by: Val Stajsic, May 2018