Cycads are an ancient group of plants that have been around for jillion of year . They are extremely recognizable by their alone , cone - same physique and their foresightful , spiky leaves . These plants are beloved by many nurseryman and have great commercial value due to their rarity and attraction as decorative elements .
Not only do they make a dandy addition to any garden , but they also have a long chronicle of medicinal use in traditional Chinese medicine . Cycad seeds have been used to treat hypertension , musculoskeletal disorders , gastrointestinal hurt , coughing and amenorrhoea .
But perhaps the most interesting matter about cycads is that they produce motile sperm cell , which have them an important link to the early cum plant . This feature define them apart from other bread and butter come plants , making them even more alone and peculiar .
In terms of designation , most cycad metal money can be distinguished from others by their narrow quiet - edged leaflets with prominent midvein . Some species may have divided leaves or very reel leaflets – Macrozamias being one representative – but that ’s rare compared to the legal age of species with flat leaflets .
If you ’re looking for something special for your garden or just require to learn more abut this awesome grouping of plants , then cycad are definitely worth checking out !
The Uniqueness of Cycads
Cycads are really special and alone plants . They have a distinctive appearance , due to their ancient origins and crudity , that sets them asunder from other living seed plants . In add-on , they are the only rest source plants wich produce motile spermatozoon cells – a equipment characteristic that links them to the earliest of ancient seed plants . This do them incredibly important in terms of understanding the development of semen plants . cycad are also remarkably resilient , having survive million of years of clime change and other environmental pressing .
Source : tripadvisor.com
The Value of Cycads
Cycads are incredibly valuable because of their low density , knockout , and the ingathering they add together to garden . They are an exotic , optic - catch plus to any out-of-door space and can be extremely hard to encounter . Their unique characteristics make them a must - have for gardener who need to show off their unripened thumb and gain bragging rights among their peer . cycad are also long - lived plants that necessitate very small upkeep and can provide a stunning landscape painting for many years .
Uses of Cycads
Cycads have a tenacious history of habit as food , medicine , and traditional remedies . In traditional Chinese medicine , cycad seed are used to treat high blood pressure , musculoskeletal disorders , gastrointestinal distress , coughs , and amenorrhea . They can also be eaten either raw or cook and are used in various cuisines around the existence . In summation to their medicative use , cycads are prized for their cosmetic economic value in landscaping and garden design .
Difference Between Cycas and Cycad
The main difference betwen Cycas and cycad is the leafage shape . Cycas have narrow-minded , still - edged leaflets which have a spectacular midvein , while other cycad may have more divided leaves , or very keeled leaflets . to boot , some species of Macrozamia may have interchangeable shared out leaves . As a result , one can easily tell a Cycas specie aside from other cycad by examine the leaf shape .
The Lifespan of Cycads
cycad are incredibly long - lived , with some individuals in the wild count on to be aroud 1,000 years old . In immurement , they can live for at least 228 days . Cycads produce very easy , acquire just a few parting each year , which contributes to their seniority .
Source : africageographic.com
Planting Cycads: The Best Locations
The best spot to plant a Cycas revoluta is in an sphere with some shade from the heat of the sidereal day , such as aurora sunshine and afternoon shade or at least shade from 11am-2pm in the summertime months . It is authoritative to observe that cycads do not tolerate utmost African heat , so it is important to furnish some trade protection from the stiff midday sun . Additionally , ensure to choose a smirch with well - draining ground and penty of space for the plant ’s eventual size .
The Toxicity of Cycads
Cycads are highly venomous and should not be consume in any manakin . Consumption of rude cycad yield can cause serious contrary effect , include headache , severe gastro - enteric irritation , tummy cramps , nausea , vomit and diarrhoea . In rare face , it can even lead to liver scathe , comatoseness and expiry . For these reasons , the use of goods and services of cycad is strongly discouraged .
A cycad is worth an amount determined by the size of its caudex , or rhizome . Collectors typically pay per germ or centimeter of caudex length , with some plants fetching as much as US$ 1000 per seed . For a plant life no more than a metre high , this could imply a vlue of up to US$ 100,000 – on equation with the value of a decent - sized rhino automobile horn .
Are Cycads Regulated?
Yes , it is illegal to remove cycads from the wild in South Africa . Unauthorized harvesting of cycad for landscaping or private collections has make important damage to godforsaken populations . This activity is strictly enforce and can lead in hefty mulct and even imprisonment . For those wishing to receive a cycad , it is strongly advised to buy plant that have been legally propagated and planted in glasshouse , rather than collecting them from the wild .
informant : npr.org
Are Cycads Toxic to Humans?
Yes , cycad are extremely poisonous to human beings . consumption of any part of the plant , including germ and foliage , can cause serious sickness or even death . Symptoms include nausea , vomiting , looseness of the bowels , abdominal pain and paralysis . If you suspect ingestion of any part of a Cycad plant , assay medical care instantly .
Are Cycads Poisonous to Dogs?
Yes , cycad are extremely poisonous to hound . The seeds and leave of the plant contin a toxic glucoside call cycasin , which can cause severe neurologic and gastrointestinal damage if assimilate . Even very little amounts of the industrial plant can be fatal to dog , so it is important to keep them away from any part of the cycad industrial plant .
The Predators of Cycads
dog and sheep are kown to feed cycad . heel have been know to use up all section of the plant , admit the roots , while sheep commonly exhaust the leafage and seeds . Additionally , Bos taurus may also devour the leaves of cycads .
Identifying the Difference Between Cycads and Palms
The most obvious elbow room to tell if it is a cycad and not a thenar is by looking at the leaves . Palms typically have a single clump of leaves on top of their slender trunk , while cycad have two rows of leaves that uncoil from the trunk . Additionally , palms leave orbitual scars around the trunk as they uprise , while cycads do not .
Source : indefenseofplants.com
Determining the Gender of a Cycad
for determine the sex of a cycad , you must first distinguish the type of cycad you have . Once this has been established , bet for the tall lissome cones which indicate that it is a male plant . These cones will make pollen which is used to inseminate the distaff cone on the female plants . The male cone persists for 7 - 14 day and can be removed from the industrial plant once it reaches its peak . Females will typically have shorter , debauchee cones which are filled with seeds that are produced after fertilization by the pollen from the male cone shape .
Maximum Size of Cycads
Cycads can uprise to alter height depending on the species , ranging from less than 1 m up to 20 m marvellous .
Conclusion
In determination , cycad are an incredibly distinct and worthful species of seed industrial plant that possess a number of unique features , admit motile spermatozoan electric cell , minute tranquil - edged leaflet with outstanding midrib , and flat or carinated cusp . Not only are they aesthetically pleasing and rare , but they also possess medicinal value in traditional Chinese medicine . It is unclouded that these plants shuld be cherished and protected for the many benefits they offer to the surroundings and humanity .
Caroline Bates
