Cycad
ExplorePlants
Cycad
Cycadophyta
Cycads are ancient plants that have been around for millions of years. They have tough, palm-like leaves and produce cones instead of flowers. Cycads are like living fossils from the time of the dinosaurs!
Habitat: Tropical and subtropical regions
Appearance
The Cycad has a robust, often unbranched trunk topped with a crown of stiff, leathery, dark green leaves that can resemble palms or ferns. Its ancient form and central, sometimes brightly colored, cone structures make it visually distinct.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsida
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Cycads are 'living fossils,' dating back over 280 million years—before dinosaurs walked the Earth!
Many Cycad species are either all male or all female, needing two plants to reproduce.
Some Cycad cones can even generate their own heat, warming up to attract pollinating insects!
They don't have flowers! Instead, Cycads produce giant cones, sometimes weighing over 40kg.
Special abilities
Ability
Ancient Survival Kit
Cycad has tough, leathery leaves and a sturdy trunk that help it endure harsh conditions like drought and fire.
Ability
Nitrogen Ninja
Some Cycads host tiny bacteria in their roots, allowing them to capture nitrogen from the air to grow strong.
Ability
Chemical Guard
Cycad produces powerful natural toxins that help it defend against hungry herbivores and other threats.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-1500 cm
- Spread
- 30-500 cm
- Edible
- No
- Toxicity
- High
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Wind
Ecological connections
pollinates
Cycad Weevil
Rhopalotria furfuracea
This beetle helps some cycads reproduce by carrying pollen.
symbiotic with
Cycad Cyanobacterium
Nostoc cycadae
These bacteria live in cycad roots, providing essential nitrogen.
eats
Atala Butterfly
Eumaeus atala
Its larvae feed on specific Zamia cycad leaves, absorbing toxins.
Traits
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Also known as
Cycad PlantSago Palm
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Enjoy looking at cycads from a safe distance and avoid touching them as some parts can be harmful.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Cycad?
10-1500 cm
How wide does Cycad spread?
30-500 cm
Is Cycad edible?
No
Is Cycad toxic?
High
What is Cycad's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Cycad pollinated?
Wind
Where is Cycad usually found?
Tropical and subtropical regions
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
