Bulletproof cycad
Zamia loddigesii
Family: Zamiaceae
What it is like
A cycad. It has an underground stem 12 cm across. There are 2-6 erect or curved backwards leaves. These can be up to 1.5 m long. The leaf stalks have prickles.
Where it is found
It is a tropical plant. It grows from sea level to 1,000 m above sea level. It is best in a sunny position in a well-drained soil. It grows in low dry deciduous forests.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia, Belize, Central America, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Indonesia, Mexico (country/location of origin), North America, SE Asia
How it is used for food
The starch from the stem can be ground into a powder and uses to make bread. Caution: The stem starch needs to be cooked to remove poisons.
Edible parts
Stem starch, caution
How it is grown
Plants can be grown from fresh seed. The fleshy coat is removed and the seeds are sown in damp sand.
Its other names
Local names
Sikas anti peluru, Sikas mini