Zamia decumbens

Zamia decumbens, common name sinkhole cycad, is a species of cycad known only from Belize. The species was erroneously referred to in print several times as Z. prasina before its recognition as a distinct species. The species was (under the name Z. prasina) proposed for protection as a critically endangered species. As of 2009, seven populations were known in the Maya Mountains, a few on ridges and mountaintops, but the largest populations at the bottom of sinkholes. Sinkholes are depressions in the earth caused by collapse of the roof of a cave. They very frequently are home to unusual plants and animals because they typically have water at the bottom, and the steep walls also protect the sinkholes from herbivores. Zamia decumbens is unusual in the genus in having decumbent stems, i.e. trunks that run horizontally along the ground rather than growing straight up. The plant occasionally dies at the base while forming new roots higher up the stem. There are also a few differences in lea......read more on Wikipedia.