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If you are in the market for a lovely, low-maintenance, leafy plant, you need look no further than Florida's native coontie. Its origins date back thousands of years and so the plant is truly an ancient one. Coonties were used by our native tribes as a source of food and, beginning in the 19th century and for a number of years, by factories for starch production (Broome, n.d.).
Being cycads under the umbrella of the genus Zamia, these plants produce cones rather than flowers. Although impossible to differentiate between immature male and female coonties, they become easier to recognize as they mature and cones develop. The female coontie's cones house a multitude of seeds at maturity and are wider and thicker in appearance than their male counterparts. Male cones generate pollen and are taller and more slender. Every part of the plant contains toxins; therefore, always wear gloves when handling and clean tools after each use.
Coonties have a mutually beneficial relationship with certain weevil species. The male plants provide food for the weevils' larvae, with adults then returning the favor by transporting pollen to the female plants for egg fertilization.
Coonties also serve as host plants for the larvae of endangered Atala butterflies, who return the favor through fecal droppings which provide plants with a boost of nutrients. Butterflies lay numerous eggs on the plants and, after hatching, the offspring use the leaves as a food source, happily munching away at leaves. Although larvae may defoliate plants, there is no need for concern as the plants will recuperate.
What I appreciate most about these slow-growing, sturdy plants, apart from their fern-like, draping leaves, is that they are rather easy to care for when placed in well-draining soil. Coonties normally do well even in poor soil, although adding organic matter during planting is a plus. Soil pH can range from alkaline to acidic. The plants prefer part shade but can also do quite well in a sunny location. Drought tolerant once established, they should, nevertheless, be watered regularly early on to assist in healthy root development.
The best time to fertilize is in the spring and summer, using either granular or water-soluble fertilizer. Both work well when applied in only the amount needed and according to label directions. As with all plants, avoid applying too much as the excess can burn leaves. Additionally, plants can only absorb so much by way of nutrients, with excess nitrogen and phosphorus oftentimes ending up in our waterways.
Early detection is a key ingredient to controlling pests such as mealybugs and scales. Insecticidal soaps and other contact insecticides perform nicely, especially when dealing with light infestations. When using any product, always read the label to make certain your targeted pest is listed and follow application directions.
Native coonties will provide long-lasting interest in the landscape with proper care. Though their needs are sparse, tending to those needs will better ensure hardy and healthy plants.
Happy gardening!
Janetta Fox is a Lee County Master Gardener volunteer and member of the Garden Club of Cape Coral.
Sources:
Broome, T. (n.d.). The coontie of florida. Cycad Jungle. Retrieved from
http://cycadjungle.mysite.com/cycadjungle/The%20Coontie%20of%20Florida.html
Constantino, A. (n.d.). Propagation and growing coonties. Broward County Butterflyl Chapter. Retrieved from http://browardbutterflies.org/Coontie%20Background%20Information.pdf
Culbert, D. F. (March, 2010). Florida coonties and atala butterflies. UF/IFAS Extension. Retrieved from https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/pdf%5CMG%5CMG34700.pdf