Some cycads are defined by grandeur — towering trunks, massive cones, vast distribution ranges. Macrozamia mountperriensis is defined by a place. This small, compact cycad is named for and essentially confined to the Mount Perry region of central-eastern Queensland, west of Bundaberg — a cluster of forested hills and ranges where it grows in open eucalypt woodland and at the margins of Araucarian vine forest. Described in 1886 by Frederick Manson Bailey from specimens collected on Mount Perry by the local botanist James Keys, it has spent much of its taxonomic history in the shadow of the larger, more widespread Macrozamia miquelii — treated by some authorities as merely a local form of that species. But POWO (Plants of the World Online, Kew) and the World List of Cycads now accept it as a distinct species, and its morphological differences — shorter stature, longer petioles, smaller cones and seeds, and lighter green foliage — are consistent enough to justify that recognition.
For growers, Macrozamia mountperriensis offers a compact, elegant, light-coloured cycad ideal for small gardens and containers, from the genus Macrozamia — the largest exclusively Australian cycad genus, with around 40 species. It is a plant that rewards those who appreciate subtlety over scale.
Quick Facts
| Scientific name | Macrozamia mountperriensis F.M.Bailey |
| Family | Zamiaceae |
| Origin | Mount Perry region, SE Queensland, Australia |
| Adult size | Stem 15–20 cm tall; leaves ~80 cm long; compact rosette |
| Hardiness | −2 to −3 °C (28 to 27 °F) / USDA zones 9b–11 |
| IUCN | Not Evaluated (NE) — not considered at risk |
| CITES | Appendix II (all cycads) |
| Cultivation difficulty | 2/5 |
Taxonomy and Nomenclature
Macrozamia mountperriensis was first formally described in 1886 by Frederick Manson Bailey in the supplement to A Synopsis of the Queensland Flora (Suppl. 1: 50), from specimens collected on Mount Perry by the local botanist James Keys, who lived in the region and studied its flora. Bailey was Queensland’s Colonial Botanist — one of the most prolific describers of Australian plants in the 19th century.
Etymology: the specific epithet mountperriensis is a straightforward toponym — from Mount Perry with the Latin suffix -ensis (“place of origin”). Mount Perry is a small town west of Bundaberg in the Burnett region of Queensland, named for the prominent hill that dominates the surrounding landscape.
Synonyms: Macrozamia tridentata subsp. mountperriensis (F.M.Bailey) J.Schust. (1932).
The taxonomic debate: the status of Macrozamia mountperriensis has been contentious for over a century. PACSOA and several Australian cycad specialists have treated it as a synonym of Macrozamia miquelii, regarding the Mount Perry populations as simply a local variant of that highly variable species. However, POWO (Kew) and the World List of Cycads (cycadlist.org) now accept it as a distinct species. The morphological grounds for separation include:
- Shorter stature: stems only 15–20 cm tall vs. up to 50 cm in M. miquelii.
- Longer petioles relative to total leaf length.
- Smaller cones and seeds than M. miquelii.
- Lighter green foliage with yellow undertones, especially in juvenile leaves.
The question is whether these differences represent species-level divergence or simply the normal variation expected within a geographically restricted population of M. miquelii. POWO’s acceptance of species rank reflects the trend in modern cycad taxonomy toward recognising narrowly endemic forms as distinct species — a pattern seen across Macrozamia, Encephalartos, and Zamia.
Common names: Mount Perry Cycad.
Morphological Description
Macrozamia mountperriensis is a small, dioecious, evergreen cycad — one of the more compact species in the genus.
Stem: short, mostly subterranean, 15–20 cm tall when emergent — distinctly smaller than typical Macrozamia miquelii caudices (which can reach 50 cm). The stem is clothed in persistent leaf bases.
Leaves: pinnate, approximately 80 cm long on average (shorter than M. miquelii‘s 0.8–2.3 m range), with 50–110 leaflets. The petioles are proportionally longer than in M. miquelii — one of the key diagnostic characters. Leaf colour is distinctive: light green with yellow undertones in young leaves, darkening with age but remaining lighter and more yellowish than the blue-green or dark green of M. miquelii.
Leaflets: straight, approximately 5–9 mm wide, simple, with a spiny apex. Narrower and shorter than in M. miquelii.
Cones:
- Male cones: approximately 30 cm long, ~1.3 cm diameter — noticeably slenderer than in M. miquelii.
- Female cones: 20–40 cm long, ~10 cm diameter. A distinctive character: the cone surface displays small green and orange spots — a pattern that helps distinguish M. mountperriensis from other species in the region.
Seeds: approximately 25 mm long and 16 mm wide — smaller than in M. miquelii (which reaches 30–35 mm). The sarcotesta is orange to yellow.
Reproductive phenology: pollen is shed in October–November. Seeds mature in spring.
Pollination: by beetles (Coleoptera), as in most section Parazamia species. The specific pollinator species has not been identified for this taxon.
Similar Species and Common Confusions
| Character | Macrozamia mountperriensis | Macrozamia miquelii | Macrozamia macleayi |
|---|---|---|---|
| Stem height | 15–20 cm | Up to 50 cm | Variable, small |
| Leaf length | ~80 cm | 80–230 cm | Variable |
| Petiole | Proportionally longer | Shorter relative to leaf | Variable |
| Leaflet colour | Light green, yellow undertones | Blue-green to dark green | Green |
| Cone size | Smaller | Larger | Variable |
| Seed size | 25 × 16 mm | 23–35 × 15–25 mm | Variable |
| Cone surface | Green and orange spots | Green | Green |
| Distribution | Mount Perry area only | Gladstone to NE NSW | NE NSW |
The main identification challenge is distinguishing M. mountperriensis from M. miquelii. In the field, this is straightforward: if the plant is in the Mount Perry / Biggenden / Brooweena area and is notably smaller, lighter-leaved, and with smaller cones than typical M. miquelii, it is M. mountperriensis. In cultivation, without provenance data, the distinction is difficult — which is one reason some authorities have preferred to sink this taxon into M. miquelii. Dave’s Garden notes that M. mountperriensis, M. miquelii, M. douglasii, M. macleayi, and M. longispina are “four or five Macrozamias that I have a hard time telling apart.”
Distribution and Natural Habitat
Macrozamia mountperriensis is endemic to a restricted area in southeastern Queensland, centred on the Mount Perry region west of Bundaberg. It also occurs in the nearby townships of Brooweena, Biggenden, and Aramara. POWO defines its native range simply as “SE. Queensland.”
The species grows at 200–400 m altitude on slopes and ranges, in open eucalypt forest and at the margins of Araucarian vine forest (rainforest dominated by Araucaria cunninghamii, the Hoop Pine). The soils are typically well-drained, stony, and nutrient-poor.
Climate in the native range:
| Parameter | Mount Perry region (central-eastern QLD) |
|---|---|
| Mean annual temperature | 19–22 °C |
| Summer temperature range | 22–33 °C |
| Winter temperature range | 8–22 °C |
| Frost | Occasional, light (inland valleys) |
| Annual rainfall | 700–900 mm (summer-dominant) |
| Köppen classification | Cfa (humid subtropical) |
This is a warm subtropical climate with moderate rainfall — similar to the conditions experienced by nearby populations of M. miquelii, but at slightly higher altitude and with more exposure to occasional light frost in the inland valleys. The Araucarian rainforest element in the habitat is noteworthy — it places M. mountperriensis in an ecologically distinctive vegetation type.
Conservation
Macrozamia mountperriensis is not currently evaluated on the IUCN Red List and is not considered at risk. The species has multiple colonies, strong seedling recruitment, and is present in several national parks and forest reserves in the Mount Perry region. The restricted range is a potential vulnerability, but the population appears healthy and stable.
Cultivation
| Hardiness | −2 to −3 °C (28 to 27 °F) / USDA zones 9b–11 |
| Light | Full sun to partial shade; bright indirect light indoors |
| Soil | Well-drained; sandy, stony, nutrient-poor soils tolerated |
| Watering | Moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Adult size | Compact rosette, ~80 cm leaf spread |
| Growth rate | Slow |
| Difficulty | 2/5 |
Macrozamia mountperriensis is an easy cycad to grow — similar in cultural requirements to Macrozamia miquelii but with the advantage of a naturally more compact habit that suits smaller spaces and containers.
Light: full sun to partial shade. In habitat it grows both in open eucalypt woodland (full sun) and at the margins of Araucarian vine forest (filtered light). Adaptable in cultivation.
Soil: well-drained. The native habitat is stony, nutrient-poor forest soil — the species is undemanding. Any freely draining substrate works.
Watering: moderate. Water during the growing season, reduce in winter. Drought-tolerant once established, but appreciates some moisture — the Mount Perry region receives 700–900 mm of summer-dominant rainfall.
Cold hardiness: similar to Macrozamia miquelii — this is a subtropical species with limited frost tolerance. Foliage is likely damaged from −2 to −3 °C, and the small, mostly subterranean stem offers limited cold storage. USDA zone 9b minimum, with the standard half-zone safety margin applied. In European Mediterranean climates (zone 9b–10a), plant under a canopy or in a sheltered position to reduce frost exposure — the same strategy recommended for M. miquelii. In areas prone to severe winter events (January 1985, February 1956, January 2012 in France), provide winter protection: horticultural fleece over the crown, thick root-zone mulch, reduced autumn watering to harden the tissues.
Container culture: the compact habit makes M. mountperriensis an ideal container cycad. It stays small, grows slowly, and produces an attractive light-green rosette that is well proportioned for pots. Bring containers under cover during cold spells in marginal climates.
Buying Advice
Availability: Macrozamia mountperriensis is uncommon in the international trade — far less frequently offered than M. miquelii or M. communis. Seeds may occasionally be available from Australian specialist nurseries. European availability is limited. Due to the taxonomic confusion, plants may be sold under the name M. miquelii without distinction — ask for provenance (Mount Perry area) if you specifically want this species.
Propagation
Seed: the standard method. Clean the orange-yellow sarcotesta (wear gloves — toxic) and sow in well-drained mix at 25–30 °C. Germination is cryptocotylar. No pretreatment required. Growth is slow.
Pests and Diseases
Scale insects and mealybugs: the most common pests. Manageable with horticultural oil.
Root rot: in waterlogged soils.
Toxicity: all parts are toxic, containing cycasin and macrozamin produced by symbiotic cyanobacteria in the coralloid roots. The same toxins, the same risks, and the same warnings as for all Macrozamia species. Toxic to dogs, cats, livestock, and humans.
Landscape Use
Macrozamia mountperriensis is the Macrozamia for gardeners who want cycad character in a small package. The compact rosette of light green leaves — brighter and more yellow-toned than the dark blue-green of M. moorei or the dull dark green of M. communis — creates a fresh, luminous accent in a mixed planting. Use it in a rockery, in a container on a terrace, as part of a cycad collection arranged by size (from this compact species up to the arborescent M. moorei), or in a subtropical border alongside Bowenia, Zamia, and smaller palms. The lighter foliage colour pairs well with dark-leaved companions (dark green ferns, Philodendron, Aspidistra) for a pleasing contrast. In warm climates, it is a low-maintenance, long-lived ground-level accent that asks for almost nothing and gives a quiet, ancient presence in return.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Macrozamia mountperriensis the same as Macrozamia miquelii?
It depends who you ask. PACSOA and some Australian cycad specialists treat it as a synonym (a local form of M. miquelii). POWO (Kew) and the World List of Cycads accept it as a distinct species, based on its smaller stature, longer petioles, smaller cones and seeds, and lighter foliage. The two share the same broad region of Queensland and the same general ecology — the question is whether the Mount Perry populations are sufficiently differentiated to warrant species rank. We follow POWO in treating it as accepted.
How does it differ from Macrozamia miquelii in cultivation?
It is smaller (stems 15–20 cm vs. up to 50 cm), has lighter green foliage with yellow undertones (vs. blue-green), and produces smaller cones and seeds. It is more compact and better suited to containers and small gardens. Cold hardiness is similar — both are subtropical species with foliage damaged from −2 to −3 °C.
Can I grow it outdoors in Europe?
In USDA zone 10a and above, yes — in full sun or partial shade. In zone 9b, only in a canopy-sheltered position (beneath trees, against a warm wall). Provide winter protection during cold spells. This is a subtropical species, not adapted to European-style winter cold snaps.
Authority Websites and Databases
POWO — Plants of the World Online (Kew)
https://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:59516-3
Accepted species. First published in Syn. Queensl. Fl., Suppl. 1: 50 (1886). Native range: SE Queensland. Subshrub, seasonally dry tropical biome. Synonym: Macrozamia tridentata subsp. mountperriensis.
World List of Cycads — cycadlist.org
https://cycadlist.org/scientific_name/407
Accepted species. Synonym: Macrozamia tridentata subsp. mountperriensis J.Schust. (1932).
Wikipedia — Macrozamia mountperriensis
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macrozamia_mountperriensis
Detailed account: morphology (stems 15–20 cm, leaves ~80 cm, 50–110 leaflets, 5–9 mm wide), cone dimensions (male 30 cm, female 20–40 cm), seeds (25 × 16 mm, orange-yellow), green and orange spots on cones, distribution (Mount Perry, Brooweena, Biggenden, Aramara), altitude 200–400 m, eucalypt forest and Araucarian rainforest, Bailey & Keys 1886.
PACSOA — Palm and Cycad Societies of Australia
https://pacsoa.org.au/wiki/index.php/Macrozamia_miquelii
Treats M. mountperriensis as a synonym of M. miquelii. The Mount Perry form is described as “smaller and not so prolific in the frond number” but placed under the M. miquelii umbrella. Important for understanding the alternative taxonomic position.
Haynes, J. L. (2022) — Etymological Compendium of Cycad Names
Phytotaxa 550(1): 1–31
Etymology: “Referring to its discovery near the town of Mount Perry, Queensland, Australia, with the Latin termination -ensis (‘place of origin’).” Bailey, 1886.
Bibliography
Bailey, F. M. (1886). Macrozamia mountperriensis. In A Synopsis of the Queensland Flora, Supplement 1, 50.
Forster, P. I. (2004). Revision of Macrozamia section Macrozamia (Zamiaceae) in Queensland, with the description of two new species. Austrobaileya, 6(4), 859–882.
Hill, K. D. (1998). Cycadophyta. Flora of Australia, 48, 597–661.
Jones, D. L. (2002). Cycads of the World (2nd ed.). New Holland Publishers, Sydney.
Whitelock, L. M. (2002). The Cycads. Timber Press, Portland.