Cycad

Cycad

Cycad (pronounced: /ˈsaɪkæd/) is a type of seed plant characterized by a large crown of compound leaves and a stout trunk. They are evergreen, gymnospermous, dioecious plants having large pinnately compound leaves.

Etymology

The term "Cycad" is derived from the Greek word 'kykas', which was used by Theophrastus, an ancient Greek philosopher and botanist, in reference to the palm tree. The term was later adopted by Carl Linnaeus in 1753 to describe this unique group of plants.

Description

Cycads are typically characterized by a stout and woody trunk with a crown of large, hard and stiff, evergreen leaves. They usually have pinnate leaves. The individual plants are either all male or all female (dioecious). Cycads vary in size from small plants only a few centimeters high to trees up to several meters tall.

Distribution and Habitat

Cycads are found in the tropical and subtropical parts of Africa, America, Australia, and Asia. They are typically found in areas with a tropical or subtropical climate, and are often grown as ornamental plants in gardens and parks around the world.

Classification

Cycads belong to the division Cycadophyta, which is split into two families: Cycadaceae and Zamiaceae. There are around 300 species, divided among 10–12 genera and 2–3 families according to different treatments.

Uses

Cycads have been used for food, medicine, and ornamental purposes by various cultures throughout history. Some species are also used in traditional medicine.

Conservation

Many cycad species are threatened with extinction due to habitat loss and over-collection. Conservation efforts are being made to protect these ancient plants.

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Cycad
• Wikipedia's article - Cycad

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