the genus
BOWENIA

Bowenia is named in honor of Sir George Bowen (1821-1899), the first Governor of Queensland, Australia.

Family: Stangeriaceae
Subfamily: Bowenioideae
Tribe: Zamiineae

Bowenia is a genus of 2 species, serrulata and spectabilis, distributed in tropical Australia, mainly in low coastal areas of Queensland with some populations extending into the Atherton Tableland. The habitats include rain forest and woodland margins, ranging from sea level to 2000 ft. Bowenia is distinctive with bipinnate, sometimes tripinnate leaves. Bowenias can easily be mistaken for large Maidenhair Ferns (Adiantum). Bowenia serrulata can be separated from B. spectabilis by noting the presence of serrations or teeth along the margins of the leaflets. In B. spectabilis, the margins are entire, though in some cases the leaflets may be lacerate.

Culture: Bowenias are basically understory plants, preferring half shade and open well-drained soil with plenty of fertility.

Bowenia serrulata
The epithet, “serrulata”, is Latin for serrate, referring to the margins of the leaflets.

B. serrulata also has a variant population called “Tinaroo” found between 1400 ft. and 2300 ft. along the Tinaroo Dam on the Atherton Tableland in Central Queensland. Plants from this area differ by the leaflet margins, being more narrow and finely serrated. The new emergent growth is bronze in color, making them particularly striking.

Common Name: Byfield Fern
Cold Tolerance: 32F (0C) USDA Zones: 10-11

Typical Height: 3.5'-6.5' Growth Rate: Moderate
Habit: Solitary

Status: Available
Available Range: Liners to 7gal.

Bowenia spectabilis
The specific epithet is derived from "spectans", Latin meaning to be seen or esteemed.

Common Name: Zamia Fern
Cold Tolerance: 28F (-2C) USDA Zones: 10-11

Typical Height: 3.5'-6.5' Growth Rate: Slow to Moderate
Habit: Solitary

Status: Available
Available Range: Liners to 7gal.