the zz plant has waxy, feather-like, compound leaves with long upright stalks arise from clumps of fleshy cone-shaped leaf bases. the rarely produced flowers are borne on a small, maroon and purple, corncob-like spadix which is hooded by a yellowish green petal-like bract (spathe). female flowers are sometimes followed by small black or purple berry-like fruits.generally, it is the perfect houseplant for those who are unsuccessful with plants.