Zamia huilensis

Native only to Colombia, this cycad grows in moist foothill forests of Huila in the Eastern Andes, between about 3,300 and 5,700 feet. Its aboveground trunk reaches about 3 feet tall and carries a crown of long, feather-like leaves with leathery leaflets and toothed tips. Male and female cones develop on separate plants. It survives in small forest remnants along steep ravines and rivers, where surrounding land has been cleared for cattle ranching and agriculture. It is listed as Endangered on Colombia’s national red list, making protection of its remaining habitat especially important. Photographed in Colombia.