What is a Zamioculcas?

Answer

A flowering plant grown for ornamental reasons primarily for its attractive glossy foliage.

Although "flowering plant" is technically correct, the flowers of Zamioculcas are not what the average grower thinks of when they think of a flower. This genus is a member of the family Araceae, the aroids. Aroids reproduce by producing an inflorescence which is composed of several parts, chiefly the spathe and spadix. Although a spathe looks like a "flower", it is not. The spathe is a specially modified leaf used to protect the spadix at its center. The flowers, both male and female, are produced on the spadix and if pollinated by an appropriate insect the inflorescence will produce seeds. The genus contains a single species Zamioculcas zamiifolia. Previous species names have been melded into this species and the older names are now considered synonyms. This genus is found in southern Africa in dry climates but will survive nicely in both wet and dry conditions, however it will not survive cold.

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