Lepidozamia is a genus of two species of cycad, native to Australia. The name, derived from the Greek word lepidos, meaning scaly, refers to the scale-like structure of the stem and leaf bases. They are native to rainforest climates in eastern Queensland and eastern New South Wales. They have a chromosome number of 2n = 18.

Species

• Lepidozamia hopei
• Lepidozamia peroffskyana

A specimen of L. hopei is known as the tallest living cycad at 17.5 m tall. These cycads are generally unbranched, tall, and with persistent leaf bases. They are easily cultivated as ornamental plants and are relatively cold hardy; L. peroffskyana was first described by a specimen grown at St. Petersburg's botanical garden in 1857.

References

• The Cycad Pages: Lepidozamia
• Whitelock, L.M. 2002. The Cycads. Portland, Oregon: The Timber Press. 2002

Cycads | Flora of Australia

Lepidozamia