Macrozamia communis
burrawang
South-eastern Australia (coastal New South Wales)
Overview
Macrozamia communis is a long-lived cycad of the family Zamiaceae, forming a stout, mostly subterranean trunk topped by a crown of arching pinnate fronds. Mature plants carry 30–100 fronds, each 3–6.5 feet (1–2 m) long, with many stiff, dark green leaflets 8–12 inches (20–30 cm) long along the rachis. The trunk is usually below ground but can emerge to 12 inches (30 cm) on old plants. M. communis is dioecious, with male and female cones on separate plants. Male cones are cylindrical, 8–16 inches (20–40 cm) long; female cones are barrel-shaped, up to 16 inches (40 cm) long, and break open to expose seeds with fleshy red to orange coats about 1.2 inches (3 cm) long. All parts, and especially the seeds, contain the toxins macrozamin and cycasin, which poison humans, livestock, and pets if eaten. The species grows in dry sclerophyll forest along the coast and ranges of south-eastern Australia, often in large colonies. It grows slowly, taking many years to form a trunk, and is slow to re-establish after root disturbance.
Native Range
Native to south-eastern Australia, mainly coastal New South Wales and adjacent ranges, in dry sclerophyll forest and woodland on sandy and stony soils.Suggested Uses
Used as a feature plant in dry native gardens, in coastal and woodland plantings, and in large containers. Suited to low-water and fire-prone landscapes. Spaced 6–10 feet (1.8–3 m) apart to allow for the broad frond crown.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 6'6"
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 20 years
Bloom Information
Cones, not flowers, are produced. Male and female cones develop on separate plants and mature mainly in summer and autumn. Female cones ripen over several months and break apart to release red- to orange-coated seeds about 1.2 inches (3 cm) long.
Detailed Descriptions
Foliage Description
dark greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 4-10 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grow Macrozamia communis in full sun to part shade in deep, sharply drained sandy or gravelly soil. It tolerates extended dry periods once established and is sensitive to waterlogging and prolonged wet soil. Growth is slow, with only a few new fronds produced each year. Established plants transplant poorly because of the deep contractile root system. All parts contain macrozamin and cycasin and are toxic to people, livestock, and pets if ingested. Fire stimulates coning, and plants resprout from the trunk after burning.Pruning
Dead or damaged fronds can be removed, cutting close to the trunk. The crown renews fronds slowly. No other pruning is needed.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 15 gallons