Byfield fern, Zamia fern
Bowenia spectabilis
Family: Zamiaceae
What it is like
A small cycad. It is a palm like plant. It grows 1.5 m tall and spreads 1.5 m wide. It has an underground trunk. This is carrot shaped and 12 cm across. The tap root forms a tuber. The leaves are feather-like and arch over. They are 1 m long. The leaves are twice divided. The leaflets are leathery and oval. The edges of the leaves are smooth. Plants are separately male and female. Male cones are oblong and female cones are round. Male cones are 3-6 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. Female cones are 10-12 cm long by 7-10 cm wide. They are barrel shaped and brownish-green. They occur in groups at ground level. The seeds are 2.5-3.5 cm long by 1.5-2 cm wide. They are oblong and cream or pink or purple.
There are 3 Bowenia species. It has also been put in the family Strangeriaceae.
Where it is found
A tropical plant. It suits tropical and subtropical regions. It grows in the highland rainforests in Queensland in Australia. It requires some shade. It grows to 700 m altitude in tropical Queensland in Australia. It suits hardiness zone 11-12. In the Cairns Botanical Gardens. Melbourne Botanical gardens.
Countries/locations it is found in
Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), Indonesia, SE Asia
How it is used for food
The roots and seeds need treatment before eating.
Edible parts
Tuber, root, seeds
How it is grown
It can be grown from seed. It can also be grown by dividing the tuberous stem. Large plants transplant easily.
Its other names
Local names
Chiroo, Gunyoo, Julbin, Sikas pakis zamia