 The male cones are solitary, narrow ovoid, 25–30 cm long and 5–7 cm diameter, brown, the sporophylls 25–30 mm long with an upturned apical spine.This cycad grows in a hot, dry, climate, often in association with "Eucalyptus" and "Livistona".It was first found on limestone soil, from which the name "calcicola" "lime-dwelling" derives, but is not confined to limestone, also occurring on soils derived from sandstone and schist.