Zamia inermis, la cícada más amenazada de México

Zamia inermis (Zamiaceae) is a rare endemic and critically threatened species of cycad, with only one known population, composed of three subpopulations. The total population is distributed in only 2.5 km2 on grassland and fragmented seasonally dry forest. Many plants have been illegally removed for the ornamental plant trade during the 1970´s and 80s and its current population is estimated between 300 and 700 individuals, with extremely poor recruitment due to absence of its natural beetle pollinator. Additionally, its genetic diversity is under represented in this unique population, and for these reasons this species should be considered as the Mexican cycad at greatest extinction risk.