Zamioculcas is a genus of flowering plant in the family Araceae (arum or aroid) containing the single species Zamioculcas zamiifolia.

Araceae: There are 106 genera and about 3800 species of plants in Araceae family. All are monocots that have flowers borne in a type of inflorescence called a spadix that is sometimes partially enclosed in a spathe or leaf-like hood. If pollinated by an insect, brown or white berries will develop on the spadix. The berries are ellipsoid in shape and will produce seeds. Some of the genera have many species, for example Philodendron contains 66 species. Araceae are often rhizomatous or tuberous, some contain calcium oxalate crystals and clear or milky sap, and can be toxic when ingested. All arums should be considered toxic and handled with care. Popular aroids include species of Aglaonema (Chinese-evergreen), Caladium, Epipremnum (pothos), Spathiphyllum (peace lily), Syngonium (arrowhead vine)  and Zantedeschia (calla-lily).

Zamioculcas zamiifolia is a tropical perennial plant, native to the dry grasslands and shady areas of lowland forests in eastern Africa (from Kenya south to northeastern South Africa). The genus name, ‘Zamioculcas’ suggests its resemblance to the cardboard cycad ‘Zamia furfuracea’, The botanical name derives from on the one hand the superficial similarity of its foliage to that of the cycad genus Zamia and on the other hand its kinship to the genus Colocasia under the alternative form ‘Culcas’. This species was described to science in 1905.  Dutch nurseries started wide-scale commercial propagation of the plant after 1996.

ZZ Plant is a herbaceous plant, growing to 60–70 cm tall, from a stout underground, succulent rhizome. It is normally evergreen, but becomes deciduous during drought. It can survive drought with help of the large potato like rhizome that stores water until rainfall resumes.

The pinnate leaves of Zamioculcas zamiifolia are, 40–60 cm long, with 8-14 pairs of leaflets are almost oval shaped and a bit broader toward the sharp-pointed tip line up in opposite formation along each stem. Leaflets are 5–12 cm long, smooth, shiny, and dark green. Spacing of the leaves is far apart at the bottom, while at the top the leaves almost grow opposite each other. The flower, which is not showy, is characteristic of the aroid family and consists of an inflorescence called a spadix that is subtended by a spathe. Flowering is from midsummer to early autumn. Plant normally produces one or two inflorescences during its life time.

ZZ Plant tolerates neglect. It does not need frequent watering or feeding, tolerant to very low-light conditions. It appreciates a place in fairly bright light, even though it is more tolerant of than most other low-light plants. It shows high resistance to insects and diseases.

Zamioculcas zamiifolia prefer a well-drained soil, and appreciate a dilute solution of liquid fertilizer while the plant is in active growth. Large plants are easily divided, and this is the fastest way to get another plant. Each part of the plant is capable of regenerating itself. Cuttings root in water, or individual leaves can be stuck in well-drained potting mix where they can be expected to grow rhizomes and roots within a year. The stem of the plant is found underground as a tuberous rhizome.  The tuber is correctly known as the stem which  supports the petiole that supports the petiolules and leaflets. This underground tuber form, a crown with tuberous roots,  is the stem. The tubercles regularly develop at the juncture of the rachis and petiolule.  These leaflet tubercles allow the regeneration of a new plant.