27 Feb, 2005 Cycad Exploration Trip to Chiriqui Grande in search of Zamia "skinneri" and others.
This was taken in the Palo Seco area along the Continental Divide. Most impressive plants, and we were told
by some other visitors there, that the roots were a favorite food to the local "rabbits or conejos".
About 200 mtr away from the leaves of the previous photo, we spotted this tree with an obvious Zamia
psuedoparasitica well endowed in the mass of vegetation. We were about 1150 mtrs ASL here, and well above
the altitude of the Divide along the road. Obviously, if the seed carriers could make it this far and at this
altitude, it really is puzzling to me why these cycads aren't in the Chiriqui forests! I'm sort of speculating that
the very strong winds that blow at this time of the year (Jan-Apr) may not allow the seting of the seeds, let
alone the carriers may not even attempt to fly to that side, as it is quite calm on the Atlantic slopes in
comparison. That there were two ripe cones at the Martinez place, could it be that these Zamias seed at this
that also coincides with strong winds that could prevent the carriers from doing that job into Chiriqui? More
questions than answers, as usual!
This photo was taken at the max 4:1optical zoom, in comparison to the max digital zoom of the previous photo
There are several areas of these plants visible, and all seem to be the same sex (f) as it appears here.
This tree was a few 100 mtrs away form the previous one. It didn't appear (from this angle) that there were
many on it. Almost a lone Z psuedoparasitica semi-hidden directly under the branch that shoots up and to left
from about the Vertical center of the photo.
With max optical and digital zoom, could readily see more leaves. Amazing amount of vegetation on this tree's
trunk. Makes one wonder, who is feeding upon whom?
Within a couple minutes from car, found the first plant just above the creek bed, perhaps 10m away. It turned
out to be a double headed plant, and the caudex showed that it had been cut previously, and the two new heads
were from the same level. This was in the Chiriqui Grande area, certainly less than 100 mtr ASL. The frontal
leaves appeared new, and unable to tell is had been redish at birth. These were markedly light green, as were
the others found. The sizes were more reminiscent of the Z. neurophyllidia type plants we had seen on the
islands. The older leaves, right and down, were clearly the shape and coloration of the skinneri we had seen up
the Cricamola; albeit very much smaller.
This is a flash version of the previous one, giving more detail in the lower sectors.
The double head of this "Zamia skinneri" was a little surprising. Most all the plants I found were fairly young
ones. The oldest was the one near the stream (far below).
Flash of the previous view, still not a good angle to see both heads.
The second plant was much smaller and with the same light green new leaves. The number of leaves and small caudex
were a bit curious.
This 3rd plant was quite small with only 2 leaves. They seemed to emanate straight from the soil, and couldn't see the
caudex, nor even find it with my finger, as was very small. Left is flash, right is natural light.
The 4th plant also rather small and quite difficult to view the caudex with only two leaves.
The 5th plant was in a very crowded and steep locale, as is
also evidenced by the straight up leaves. I cleared a lot of
stuff from around it to get the photos.
The 6th Zamia was quite visible from the bridge, and is in the shadows to the left center of the large rock formation and
under the large tree. There are two vines hanging in front of the plant, in sunlight. The following photos are of this same
plant from various angles.
This plant was quite visible from the bridge, even though was in shade. I called Yari over to see if she could spot it and as
she approached, proclaimed her view the plant, as if it was her first time to spot one This is a telephoto shot.
6th plant rear views, after about 10 mins of climbing and scrambling to get to it! It seemed to be a new plant, of not many
years, as didn't find any evidence of secondary growth.
6th plant from down river side with different exposures.
Plant #7 was interestingly cut at a fairly early age. 3 new
leaves from the stump were impressive at such a
recovery.
Plant #8 was on the edge of a small creek, and very
steep sides. Only a single leaf was present and a
second one had already fallen off when examined it.
My initial impression was that had found a male with
several cones! However, it was quickly evident it was an
interesting palm. The one that was open at top had an
interesting look to it.
This last plant, #9 photographed, was in my way via a thick
brush area as departing onto the road. In all, probably
covered less than 1/4-1/3 Ha in searching. Most were within
15-20 mtrs of another, which is much denser than we had up
Cricamola. We were only about 1/4 way up the hill, so lots of
potential area left to cover.
After we checked Cilico Creek (nil found) we headed to Boquete and stopped by Martinz' locale. Onel showed
us a number of his Zamias including this one he had just brought back from the same area we had been in, but
higher up on the hill. He indicated there were numerous larger specimens up higher. This one had a near
right angle at base. This clearly looked very much a skinneri.
