Cycads / ˈsaɪkædz / are seed plants that typically have a stout and woody (ligneous) trunk with a crown of large, hard, stiff, evergreen and (usually) pinnate leaves. The species are dioecious, that is, individual plants of a species are either male or female. Cycads vary in size from having trunks only a few centimeters to several meters tall.

The plants are dioecious, and the family Cycadaceae is unique among the cycads in not forming seed cones on female plants, but rather a group of leaf-like structures called megasporophylls each with seeds on the lower margins, and pollen cones or strobilus on male individuals.

In habitat, many cycads produce leaves, at most, once a year and produce cones only sporadically. As houseplants, they may only produce leaves every two years and remain somewhat the same size for many years (one reason they can be excellent as bonsai specimens).

Cycads are gymnosperms distinguished by crowns of large pinnately compound leaves and by cones, which are typically borne at the end of the trunk in the centre of whorled branches. Some cycads have tall unbranched trunks with an armourlike appearance; others have partially buried stems with swollen (tuberous) trunks.

Feb 14, 2023 · It features a dense, hardy trunk that is topped with feathery-like leaves, creating quite a unique look. Their appearance is similar to that of a palm tree; however, the two are not related, as palms produce flowers or fruit and cycads do not. In fact, despite their appearance, they are more closely related to the pine tree.

Though their large, compound leaves make them appear to be ferns at first glance, cycads can be classified as gymnosperms by the production of seeds instead of spores and xerophytic leaves. These plants share the following features: Dioecious. Male and female strobili on separate plants.

Two types of leaves are present in Cycas. These are green, assimilatory ox foliage leaves, and scaly leaves or cataphylls. 1. Foliage Leaves or Assimilatory Fronds: These are green, large, pinnately compound and stout leaves with a spiny petiole and large, strong rachis. They are produced at the apex of the stem in the form of crown.

Oct 8, 2024 · Leaves: Cycas leaves exhibit dimorphism, consisting of two distinct types: scale leaves and foliage leaves, both forming a crown at the top of the stem. Scale Leaves: These leaves are small, dry, and triangular in shape, with a thick covering of …

Cycas, genus of 115 species of palmlike cycads in the family Cycadaceae native to tropical and subtropical areas of the Old World. The leaves of sago palm (Cycas revoluta) are widely used as ceremonial “palms” and in floriculture. The pithy stems of this and other species are a source of sago, a food starch.

Identify cycad species using morphology, leaf structure, reproductive cones, and geographic distribution. This guide details key taxonomic characteristics for accurate identification.