Cardboard Palm
Zamia furfuracea

Like Gingko, this is another "living fossil" plants, surviving on earth from the time of the dinosaurs. Leaves form from a central point forming a rosette which in turn becomes a tightly formed cluster of overlapping leaves. These leaves feel like cardboard when touched. The short trunk makes it perfect for bonsai culture as well as a unique plant for a garden bed or border. Also grow as an accent or specimen plant. Like well drained sandy soil and does well in bright sun to shade. Zones 9-11 for standard growing outdoors
Photo taken of a large plant growing in Hawaii
As with any plant or seed always protect pets and instruct children to never handle ANY plant material without permission.

Great plant for use in Bonsai projects-

Fun Facts:

Cardboard palms belong to the Cycad family
Cycad is greek for "palm" indicating a resemblance of a palm
The plant grows slow when young but when the trunk matures growth accelerates
Zamia is salt and drought-tolerant
This plant should be protected from cold
After sago this is the most popular cycad grown
In temperate regions this plant is easily grown as a tropical houseplant
The trunk stores water for times of drought