2020 Plant of the Year, Special Recognition

Proposed by: a member of The Garden Club of Palm Beach, Zone VIII
Seconded by: a member of The Garden Club of Palm Beach, Zone VIII

This year’s Special Recognition is awarded to our only North American native cycad, Zamia integrifolia, coontie. Zamia integrifolia has a fascinating history. Harvested extensively because its starchy roots could be made into a mold-resistant flour that was sent overseas, extensively during WWI, coontie has now made a true comeback. Along with the plant’s return came the rediscovery of Eumaeus atala, atala butterfly, once believed to be extinct. This butterfly uses coontie as its host plant and is now as prolific as is coontie in the landscape.