Cycas L. (1753), in the family Cycadaceae, sometimes called sago or false sago, is one of 11 families and 145 genera of cycads. Cycas itself consists of around 15 species, mainly from the tropics.

Description Stout, palm-like trees with trunks to 10m, knobbly, with scars left by the bases of old leaves. Leaves uncurling like fern fronds, evergreen, pinnate, with around 100 narrow segments, often very stiff and felted on the underside. The male flowers are usually solitary, large, to 80cm long, and cone-like, with tightly packed scales. The female flowers are short and frond-like, many in a whorl in the middle of the leaves, with ovules scattered along the margins. Pollination is by wind. Ripe female cones to 30cm long, with orange fruits on the margins. Seeds to 7cm long and nut-like.

Key Recognition Features Cycads are recognised by their palm-like habit, uncurling leaves, and the large, cone-like flowering stems and leafy female inflorescences.

Evolution and Relationships Cycads are very ancient group of plants, unique in many primitive features. In addition to the fern-like characteristics already mentioned, they have motile, flagellate sperm.

Ecology and Geography Found in tropical forests and on open grassland and rocks and cliffs in temperate areas. The range extends from East Africa to India, China, and Japan.
Comment Cycads are increasingly rare and threatened in the wild; although long-lived, they are slow-growing. Some Cycas species are eaten for the starchy pith in the stem, which is poisonous unless carefully prepared. The seeds are also edible. Many species, especially the dwarf C. revoluta Thunb. from Japan, are grown as ornamentals.