ZZ plants, or Zamioculcas zamiifolia, don't have separate male and female plants in the way some plants do. Instead, their flowers are unisexual and present on the same inflorescence (flower cluster).
Understanding ZZ Plant Flowers
The ZZ plant's flower structure is unique. The spadix, the central spike of the inflorescence, contains both male and female flowers.
- Female flowers: Located at the base of the spadix.
- Male flowers: Situated at the apex (top) of the spadix.
- Sterile flowers: A middle section of sterile flowers acts as a barrier, reducing the likelihood of self-pollination.
This arrangement promotes cross-pollination, likely facilitated by a specific insect pollinator, although the exact species remains unknown.
Therefore, while individual flowers are either male or female, a single ZZ plant contains both types within its inflorescence. It's not accurate to classify the entire plant as solely male or female.