This species is part of a complex of closely related taxa occurring in a mosaic pattern in southern Queensland[]. Although we have seen no specific information, it is most likely that the other taxa have the same uses as this one[].

Common Name:

General Information

Macrozamia miquelii is a slow-growing, evergreen, usually stemless, shrub producing a rosette of 30 - 80 leaves in the crown, the leaves being 80 - 210cm long[]. If a stem is formed, then it is generally up to 40cm long and 30 - 40cm in diameter[]. The stem can be up to 1 metre long[].
Although poisonous, the seeds were a traditional food of the Australian Aborigines.
A locally abundant species, but its population is decreasing. It is classified as 'Least Concern' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2011)[].

Known Hazards

The raw seed is toxic and requires treatment prior to eating it[].

Botanical References

,

Range

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland.

Habitat

Scattered in sclerophyll forests in poor soils[]. On ridges and slopes in open forest, along the margins of streams and in and around the fringes of rainforest[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Least Concern
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	2.00 m
Growth Rate	Slow
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant mainly of subtropical regions[].
An easy plant to grow, accepting full sun and partial shade[]. Requires a well-drained soil[]. Succeeds in the wild in a wide range of soils and situations, from rich peat to grit; in soils from almost swampy to dry rocks; and in shade as well as full sun[].
A slow-growing species[].
This is a restricted species in Queensland and, as such, a license is required to harvest, propagate trade or deal with it in any way[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if fruit and seed are required[].

Edible Uses

Seed - cooked[]. The raw seed is toxic and needs to be treated to make it edible[]. The Australian Aborigines would do this by several methods - one involved cooking the seed in ashes, another involved soaking the seeds in water for several days, then pounding them[].The seeds were made fit to eat by a laborious process of cracking, soaking, grinding and baking[]. Old, shrivelled seeds are said to be edible raw[].

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

The starch contained in the trunk has been processed and used in laundries[].

Soft brown hairs are formed on the bases of the young leaves[]. These have at times been harvested from wild plants and used as a stuffing material in pillows, upholstery etc[].

Propagation

Seed - it is easy to germinate from fresh seed, though it might take 2 years to do so[].

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