coontie

plant

Also known as: Zamia integrifolia, comfortroot

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Last updated

June 24, 2026

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Coontie refers to any of several tropical American woody cycads belonging to the genus Zamia. These plants are characterized by their small, stocky, fernlike appearance and a turnip-like stem that is mostly underground.12

Certain Zamia species, such as Zamia integrifolia (also known as coontie or comfortroot), are found in the southeastern United States and the West Indies. The crushed roots and stems of these plants yield a starchy foodstuff, sometimes called arrowroot. Several species within the Zamia genus are cultivated as ornamentals, but many are unfortunately listed as endangered or critically endangered.21

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Zamia
…of certain species, among them coontie, or comfortroot (Zamia integrifolia), found in the southeastern United States and the West Indies. Several species, notably the cardboard palm (Z. furfuracea), are cultivated as ornamentals. Many Zamia species are listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as endangered or critically endangered.
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…of certain species, among them coontie, or comfortroot (Zamia integrifolia), found in the southeastern United States and the West Indies. Several species, notably the cardboard palm (Z. furfuracea), are cultivated as ornamentals. Many Zamia species are listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species as endangered or critically endangered.
Read More