Cycads  Scientific classification of Cycads
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Cycadophyta
Class: Cycadopsida
Order: Cycadales
Family: Cycadaceae, Stangeriaceae, Zamiaceae
Genus: Cycas, Stangeria, Zamia
Description:
Living Cycads are found in the tropical, subtropical and warm temperate regions of both the north and south hemispheres. There are about 305 described species, in 10–12 genera and 2–3 families of Cycads. Cycads are basically woody plants which have roots, a stem, leaves and reproductive structures known as cones. They are frequently confused with palms or ferns, but they are an ancient group of seed plants . The main roots of Cycads are thickened and fleshy and as they may have storage capacities they are often termed tuberous. The stems of Cycads may be completely subterranean or emerge from the ground and be trunk-like. Soil depth may influence this development and in shallow, stony soils, species which normally have subterranean stems may develop an above-ground trunk. The leaves of most Cycads are once-divided (pinnate) and often develop an attractive palm-like crown. Cycads reproduce when mature by the production of cones. A plant is either male or female. the male cone producing pollen and on a female cone they bear large ovules which if fertilised develop into seeds. The seeds of Cycads are relatively large and have an outer layer (sarcotesta) which is often colourful. |
