Macrozamia macdonnellii is one of the most arid-adapted and geographically remote cycads in Australia — native to the desert and dry shrubland biome of the southern MacDonnell Ranges in the Northern Territory, where it grows in rocky gorges, escarpments and hillsides at 500–800 m altitude. Named after the MacDonnell Ranges themselves (named in honour of Sir Richard MacDonnell, 1814–1881, Governor of South Australia), this species was originally described by Ferdinand von Mueller and Miquel as Encephalartos macdonnellii (1863) before being transferred to Macrozamia by A. de Candolle. One of the most drought-tolerant Macrozamia species — well adapted to the extreme heat, aridity and thin, rocky soils of the Central Australian desert. Family Zamiaceae. An outstanding collector's specimen with strong provenance. Native to the MacDonnell Ranges, Southern Northern Territory — desert/dry shrubland biome One of Australia's most arid-adapted cycads; rocky gorges and hillsides at 500–800 m Originally Encephalartos macdonnellii F.Muell. ex Miq. (1863); named after the MacDonnell Ranges Full sun; extremely well-drained rocky substrate; very drought-tolerant; Family Zamiaceae Macrozamia macdonnellii — the MacDonnell Ranges cycad — is among the most remote and arid-adapted cycads on earth, a living fossil from the rocky desert heart of Australia whose 8cm caudex specimen represents a rare and botanically significant acquisition for the serious cycad collector.
