Amazing Cycads Facts: A Plant Which Does Not Have Flowers

Some plant species can trace their roots to the Jurassic Period.

How do we know? Cycad seeds have been found intact in the bellies of many dinosaur fossils.

Cycads may be confused with palms but they are different species. Considered living fossils, these plants have been on planet Earth long before human beings. Herbivorous dinosaurs and other prehistoric beings used to rely on Cycads for sustenance.

They were quite widespread, as seen by the extent and diversity when it comes to their habitat. Nevertheless, Cycads are tropical and sub-tropical species that require certain conditions like soil with good drainage and abundant light.

These hardy species can survive in low moisture conditions and require average to high acid substrates. Cycads are non-flowering plants that grow their seeds in cones. In this article, you will find interesting facts about the many species of cycads.

Continue reading to know environmental, cultural, and biological aspects of the Cycad.

Environmental Aspects

Cycads were quite abundant in the Triassic and Jurassic period. However, these species have experienced habitat loss. They can be found in all continents except for Europe and Antarctica.

At one time, 20% of the Earth's flora used to be Cycads. Today, most species of cycads are restricted to tropical and sub-tropical parts of the world.

However, some species like the Encephalartos have adapted to surviving in the harsh desert-like conditions of Africa. This one species has evolved to survive in environmental conditions like dry soil, harsh winds, frost, and so on.

Normally, Cycads thrive in conditions where the soil is properly drained. They need abundant to average sunlight to germinate and grow. They can survive in conditions with average moisture.

The substrate needs to be average to highly acidic. High levels of nitrogen in the soil can lead to the leaves attaining a shiny luster.

Unlike other species, Cycads are slow-growing plants and do not tend to be the dominant species in an environment. Unfortunately, this, coupled with it being found in tropical conditions has led to Cycads facing habitat loss. Currently, there are at least four species of Cycads that are on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss.

Cultural Aspects

One of the reasons why cycads still exist is that they are increasingly being used for landscaping purposes. In many cultures, Cycads are also revered and used for medicinal purposes.

In Asia, these plants were symbolic of hospitality and unity. Similar meanings to this plant species were assigned by other religions and cultures, including Roman culture. It was considered a sign of being taboo in Vanuatu. Also referred to as namele, the flag of Vanuatu has a pair of Cycad or namele leaves.

Apart from cultural symbolism, the plant parts have been used to prepare medicines, decoration items, and food. Cycads are fast becoming popular for landscaping purposes. These plants give a tropical look to gardens.

Cycads Biology

Cycads are often considered to be closely related to palm trees but they are different. They can be found in both tree and shrub forms. Normally, they can grow to 40 ft (12 m) but there are exceptions like the Australian Cycad.

Appearance-wise, these plants have a swollen trunk that terminates in a bunch of compound leaves. The plant grows quite slowly and has the ability to live as long as 1000 years.

Their coral-shaped roots, coralloid roots as they are known, can be found above the ground. The roots of Cycads have a special relationship with blue-green algae as it helps in fixing nitrogen from the soil. These plants are dioecious so both male and female plants exist.

These plants are gymnosperms so their seeds do not come inside a fruit or from a flower. The seeds of these plants are present on cones that can be found growing on the tips of many species.

Cycads are a primitive group of hardy trees and shrubs that look similar to palm trees. These trees have a rather unique biology and can be found in different corners of the world.

FAQs

What are the three characteristics of Cycads?

The first characteristic of Cycads is that these plants are gymnosperms, they do not bear seeds inside a fruit instead the seed grows on cones. Second, Cycad leaves resemble the leaves on palm trees and grow as much as 20–59 in (50–150 cm).

Lastly, Cycad roots grow above the soil surface. The Cycad roots are able to get and use nitrogen thanks to their close association with blue-green algae.

Where is the Cycad found?

Cycads can be found growing in the tropical and sub-tropical areas in both the northern and southern hemispheres. The habitat of Cycads is quite varied and ranges from rainforests to desert-like savannas.

How many species of Cycads are there?

There are around 300 species of Cycads recorded in the world. These Cycads belong to the families of Cycadaceae, Stangeriaceae, and Zamiaceae.

Why are conifers and Cycads considered gymnosperms?

Gymnosperms or naked seeds are those floral species that do not grow their seeds within fruits or flowers. Cycads and conifers are considered gymnosperms because their seeds are openly present on the female cones. Insects and birds pollinate the brightly colored seeds.

Why were Cycads so common in the Triassic and Jurassic Periods?

Fossil remains estimate these species to have existed around 300 million years ago. In fact, the Jurassic Age has been deemed the Age of Cycads. Every part of the plant - stems, seeds, leaves, and cones were consumed by herbivore species in the Jurassic Period.

What is the common name for Cycads?

The common name for Cycads is Sago Palm.

When should I plant Cycads in the ground?

According to landscapers, it is best to plant Cycads during spring. The golden rule is to ensure good drainage when planting this non-flowering tropical species.