Ceratozamia

Ceratozamia, genus of about 18 species of cycads in the family Zamiaceae. The species are native to Mexico and Central America and are characterized by cones with scales (sporophylls) that have pairs of spinelike horns. Species are popular in cultivation as ornamentals and specimen plants. In nature, however, most of the species are restricted to small geographic areas. Nearly all Ceratozamia species are endangered or critically endangered, and all are protected by law from unauthorized collection or export.