Cycads (Cycadales) resemble ferns and palms because of their stout, woody trunk and large but hard pinnate leaves. These evergreen trees produce seeds, are dioecious, have a slow growth rate, and are long-lived. They have a cylindrical and unbranched trunk and leaves growing in a rosette form from the trunk. You can find them in both subtropical and tropical regions of the earth in different habitats, such as rainforests, dry forests, and even grasslands. The plant is less useful as its parts are poisonous, but some communities use the seeds as food.

What makes cycads special?

Cycads are a group of ancient plants that have been around for millions of years. They are often called "living fossils" because they have remained largely unchanged since the time of the dinosaurs. Cycads are prized for their unique appearance and slow growth, making them popular ornamental plants. They are also popular in traditional medicine and have been used for a variety of purposes, including as a source of food and medicine.

How do you care for a cycad plant?

To care for a cycad plant, keep it in a sunny location and water it regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer every few months. Protect the plant from extreme temperatures and pests, and trim off any dead or damaged leaves. Cycads are slow-growing plants, so be patient and give them time to mature.

How are cycad seeds dispersed?

There are several ways that cycad seeds can be dispersed. One way is through wind dispersal, in which the seeds are carried by the wind and deposited in a new location. Another way is through animal dispersal, in which animals such as birds or mammals eat the seeds and then deposit them in a new location through their feces. Some cycads also have seeds that are dispersed by water, in which the seeds are carried by water and deposited in a new location when the water recedes.

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4.9’-6.6’ | 1.5-2 m
6.9’-12.8’ | 2.1-3.9 m (Diameter)
11.8”-31.5” | 30-80 cm (Trunk)
39”-79” | 100-200 cm (Leaf)
Burrawang
200.000
390.000
80.000
200.000
700
GUIDE
3D
Burrawang
5.9’-7.9’ | 1.8-2.4 m
4.3’-10.8’ | 1.3-3.3 m (Diameter)
5.9”-11.8” | 15-30 cm (Trunk)
27.5”-71” | 70-180 cm (Leaf)
Chestnut Dioon
240.000
330.000
30.000
180.000
9800
GUIDE
3D
Chestnut Dioon
6.6’-9.8’ | 2-3 m
3.8’-7.5’ | 1.15-2.3 m (Diameter)
9.8”-15.75” | 25-40 cm (Trunk)
27.5”-59” | 70-150 cm (Leaf)
Dukou Cycad
300.000
230.000
40.000
150.000
1700
GUIDE
3D
Dukou Cycad
13.1’-23’ | 4-7 m
10.8’-16’ | 3.3-4.9 m (Diameter)
13.8”-15.75” | 35-40 cm (Trunk)
6’-9’ | 183-274 cm (Leaf)
Eastern Cape Giant Cycad
700.000
490.000
40.000
274.000
500
GUIDE
3D
Eastern Cape Giant Cycad
9.8’-11.5’ | 3-3.5 m
7.9’-12.3’ | 2.4-3.75 m (Diameter)
9.8”-15.75” | 25-40 cm (Trunk)
39”-71” | 100-180 cm (Leaf)
Emperor Sago
350.000
375.000
40.000
180.000
1400
GUIDE
3D
Emperor Sago
19.7’-26.2’ | 6-8 m
9.8’-15.75’ | 3-4.8 m (Diameter)
19.7”-31.5” | 50-80 cm (Trunk)
59”-98” | 150-250 cm (Leaf)
Giant Burrawang
800.000
480.000
80.000
250.000
300
GUIDE
3D
Giant Burrawang
3.9’-11.8’ | 1.2-3.6 m
9.8’-15.6’ | 3-4.75 m (Diameter)
12”-16” | 30.5-41 cm (Trunk)
59”-83” | 150-210 cm (Leaf)
Giant Dioon
360.000
475.000
41.000
210.000
1700
GUIDE
3D
Giant Dioon
3.3’-6.6’ | 1-2 m
3.6’-11.5’ | 1.1-3.5 m (Diameter)
7.9”-11.8” | 20-30 cm (Trunk)
20”-59” | 50-150 cm (Leaf)
King Sago
200.000
350.000
30.000
150.000
73000
GUIDE
3D
King Sago
6.6’-39.4’ | 2-12 m
13.1’-18.4’ | 4-5.6 m (Diameter)
5.9”-23.6” | 15-60 cm (Trunk)
59”-95” | 150-240 cm (Leaf)
Nepal Cycas
1200.000
560.000
60.000
240.000
3200
GUIDE
3D
Nepal Cycas
9.8’-32.8’ | 3-10 m
6.2’-11.5’ | 1.9-3.5 m (Diameter)
11.8”-23.6” | 30-60 cm (Trunk)
24”-47” | 60-120 cm (Leaf)
Palm Corcho
1000.000
350.000
60.000
120.000
40
GUIDE
3D
Palm Corcho
13.1’-23’ | 4-7 m
9.8’-19’ | 3-5.8 m (Diameter)
24”-36” | 61-91 cm (Trunk)
4.9’-9.8’ | 150-300 cm (Leaf)
Pineapple Cycad
700.000
580.000
91.000
300.000
600
GUIDE
3D
Pineapple Cycad
5.9’-19.7’ | 1.8-6 m
11.8’-14.1’ | 3.6-4.3 m (Diameter)
15.75”-17.7” | 40-45 cm (Trunk)
71”-95” | 180-240 cm (Leaf)
Queen Sago
600.000
430.000
45.000
240.000
4200
GUIDE
3D
Queen Sago
3.6’-7.2’ | 1.1-2.2 m
3’-5.9’ | .9-1.8 m (Diameter)
5.9”-11.8” | 15-30 cm (Trunk)
39”-79” | 100-200 cm (Leaf)
Teosinte
220.000
180.000
30.000
200.000
500
GUIDE
3D
Teosinte
16.4’-19.7’ | 5-6 m
7.9’-15.75’ | 2.4-4.8 m (Diameter)
11.8”-35.4” | 30-90 cm (Trunk)
4.9’-9.8’ | 150-300 cm (Leaf)
Wood’s Cycad
600.000
480.000
90.000
300.000
1800
GUIDE
3D
Wood’s Cycad
1.6’-9.8’ | .5-3 m
5.25’-9.2’ | 1.6-2.8 m (Diameter)
9.8”-17.7” | 25-45 cm (Trunk)
47”-87” | 120-220 cm (Leaf)
Zamia Palm
300.000
280.000
45.000
220.000
350
GUIDE
3D
Zamia Palm
3.3’-5.9’ | 1-1.8 m
4.6’-9.5’ | 1.4-2.9 m (Diameter)
11.8”-13.8” | 30-35 cm (Trunk)
39”-79” | 100-200 cm (Leaf)
Zululand Cycad
180.000
290.000
35.000
200.000
1200
GUIDE
3D
Zululand Cycad
Burrawang (Macrozamia communis)
Comparison drawing of the Burrawang compared to similar Cycad species and a person

The Burrawang (Macrozamia communis) plant is found in open forests along the coast of New South Wales, Australia. This can be on the south or east coast of the state with humid conditions and a plenty of sunlight. This cycad is medium-sized with a subterranean woody trunk and rounded crown. It produces arched, pinnately compound bright green leaves that emerge from the central trunk, giving it a gracefully rounded crown. Like other cycads, both male and female trees produce cones. Male cones are erect and cylindrical, while female cones are barrel-shaped, producing oblong to ovoid orange or bright red seeds.

Burrawangs have an overall height between 4.9’-6.6’ (1.5-2 m) and diameter of 6.9’-12.8’ (2.1-3.9 m). The trunk of the Burrawang has a diameter of 11.8”-31.5” (30-80 cm) with leaf lengths between 39”-79” (100-200 cm).

Scaled set of drawings of the Burrawang in front and top views with dimensions for height and width
The Burrawang (Macrozamia communis) plant is found in open forests along the coast of New South Wales, Australia. This can be on the south or east coast of the state with humid conditions and a plenty of sunlight. This cycad is medium-sized with a subterranean woody trunk and rounded crown.

Burrawangs have an overall height between 4.9’-6.6’ (1.5-2 m) and diameter of 6.9’-12.8’ (2.1-3.9 m). The trunk of the Burrawang has a diameter of 11.8”-31.5” (30-80 cm) with leaf lengths between 39”-79” (100-200 cm).

Scaled set of drawings of the Burrawang in front and top views with dimensions for height and width
Burrawang (Macrozamia communis)
Height:
4.9’-6.6’ | 1.5-2 m
Width:
6.9’-12.8’ | 2.1-3.9 m (Diameter)
Length:
39”-79” | 100-200 cm (Leaf)
Depth:
11.8”-31.5” | 30-80 cm (Trunk)
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Macrozamia communis

Drawings include:

Burrawang front elevation, plan view

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Zamia Palm (Macrozamia riedlei)
Size comparison drawing of the Zamia Palm compared to a person and other Cycad species

Zamia Palm (Macrozamia riedlei) is not just an ornamental plant but is also used for food, as the seeds are edible. It is also called zamia and is found in southwest Australia, mainly in the jarrah forest. This area has temperate and subtropical climate conditions and well-drained soils. It is a fast-growing plant that can grow in areas with adequate or inadequate sunlight. Zamia palm is low-growing, so it is trunkless and produces glossy dark-green palm-like leaves coming from the central trunk. Like other cycads, both male and female trees produce cones. The seeds produced by the female cones are oblong to ovoid and can be orange or bright red.

Zamia Palms have an overall height between 1.6’-9.8’ (.5-3 m) and diameter of 5.25’-9.2’ (1.6-2.8 m). The trunk of the Zamia Palm has a diameter of 9.8”-17.7” (25-45 cm) with leaf lengths between 47”-87” (120-220 cm).

Set of scaled drawings of the Zamia Palm viewed from the front and top with dimensions
Zamia Palm (Macrozamia riedlei) is not just an ornamental plant but is also used for food, as the seeds are edible. It is also called zamia and is found in southwest Australia, mainly in the jarrah forest. This area has temperate and subtropical climate conditions and well-drained soils.

Zamia Palms have an overall height between 1.6’-9.8’ (.5-3 m) and diameter of 5.25’-9.2’ (1.6-2.8 m). The trunk of the Zamia Palm has a diameter of 9.8”-17.7” (25-45 cm) with leaf lengths between 47”-87” (120-220 cm).

Set of scaled drawings of the Zamia Palm viewed from the front and top with dimensions
Zamia Palm (Macrozamia riedlei)
Height:
1.6’-9.8’ | .5-3 m
Width:
5.25’-9.2’ | 1.6-2.8 m (Diameter)
Length:
47”-87” | 120-220 cm (Leaf)
Depth:
9.8”-17.7” | 25-45 cm (Trunk)
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Macrozamia riedlei

Drawings include:

Zamia Palm front elevation, plan view

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Palm Corcho (Microcycas calocoma)
Size comparison drawing of the Palm Corcho compared to a person and other Cycad species

The Palm Corcho (Microcycas calocoma) is found in isolated areas in western Cuba with wet tropical climates in open grasslands and shrubs. It is an ancient plant that can be branched or unbranched and produces separate large and female cones. Its pith is edible, but its seeds are poisonous. It grows in an upright manner, producing dark green leaves truncated near the apex. The seed cones are cylindrical, yellow-brown, and hairy. This slow-growing plant has a rugged profile, but its biggest plus is that it is drought tolerant and low-maintenance. Hence, a magnificent house or ornamental plant.

Palm Corchos have an overall height between 9.8’-32.8’ (3-10 m) and diameter of 6.2’-11.5’ (1.9-3.5 m). The trunk of the Palm Corcho has a diameter of 11.8”-23.6” (30-60 cm) with leaf lengths between 24”-47” (60-120 cm).

Set of scaled drawings of the Palm Corcho viewed from the front and top with dimensions
The Palm Corcho (Microcycas calocoma) is found in isolated areas in western Cuba with wet tropical climates in open grasslands and shrubs. It is an ancient plant that can be branched or unbranched and produces separate large and female cones. Its pith is edible, but its seeds are poisonous.

Palm Corchos have an overall height between 9.8’-32.8’ (3-10 m) and diameter of 6.2’-11.5’ (1.9-3.5 m). The trunk of the Palm Corcho has a diameter of 11.8”-23.6” (30-60 cm) with leaf lengths between 24”-47” (60-120 cm).

Set of scaled drawings of the Palm Corcho viewed from the front and top with dimensions
Palm Corcho (Microcycas calocoma)
Height:
9.8’-32.8’ | 3-10 m
Width:
6.2’-11.5’ | 1.9-3.5 m (Diameter)
Length:
24”-47” | 60-120 cm (Leaf)
Depth:
11.8”-23.6” | 30-60 cm (Trunk)
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Microcycas calocoma

Drawings include:

Palm Corcho front elevation, plan view

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Wood’s Cycad (Encephalartos woodii)
Comparison drawing of the Wood’s Cycad compared to similar Cycad species and a person

The Wood’s Cycad (Encephalartos woodii) is endemic to South Africa. The name is an honor to John Medley Wood, who discovered it in 1895. This plant is very rare and most often found in botanic gardens and institutions because it is extinct in the wild. This palm-like tree grows well in fertile well-drained soils. It has a thick trunk (especially at the bottom) and is unbranched. The glossy dark green leaves are long and broad. Although a dioecious plant, only a male cycad has been found which produces cylindrical yellow-orange cones.

Wood’s Cycads have an overall height between 16.4’-19.7’ (5-6 m) and diameter of 7.9’-15.75’ (2.4-4.8 m). The trunk of the Wood’s Cycad has a diameter of 11.8”-35.4” (30-90 cm) with leaf lengths between 4.9’-9.8’ (150-300 cm).

Scaled set of dimensioned drawings of the Wood’s Cycad in front and top views
The Wood’s Cycad (Encephalartos woodii) is endemic to South Africa. The name is an honor to John Medley Wood, who discovered it in 1895. This plant is very rare and most often found in botanic gardens and institutions because it is extinct in the wild. This palm-like tree grows well in fertile soil.

Wood’s Cycads have an overall height between 16.4’-19.7’ (5-6 m) and diameter of 7.9’-15.75’ (2.4-4.8 m). The trunk of the Wood’s Cycad has a diameter of 11.8”-35.4” (30-90 cm) with leaf lengths between 4.9’-9.8’ (150-300 cm).

Scaled set of dimensioned drawings of the Wood’s Cycad in front and top views
Wood’s Cycad (Encephalartos woodii)
Height:
16.4’-19.7’ | 5-6 m
Width:
7.9’-15.75’ | 2.4-4.8 m (Diameter)
Length:
4.9’-9.8’ | 150-300 cm (Leaf)
Depth:
11.8”-35.4” | 30-90 cm (Trunk)
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Encephalartos woodii

Drawings include:

Wood’s Cycad front elevation, plan view

Details & Downloads

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Nepal Cycas (Cycas pectinata)
Scale illustration of an average Nepal Cycas compared to other species of Cycads and a human

The Nepal Cycas (Cycas pectinata) is the most commonly found cycad. It is also the tallest cycad. It is found in various terrains such as open thickets and even sparse monsoon forests. This is in China, India, Vietnam, Nepal, and other countries in Southeast Asia. The tree, especially male cones, is highly sought after in traditional medicine. The Nepal cycas has a robust, glabrous stem that bears branches when mature and dark green long leaves that form the crown at the top of the trunk. It also has large, cylindrical male cones that turn yellow or orange on maturity and ovoid glabrous seeds.

Nepal Cycass have an overall height between 6.6’-39.4’ (2-12 m) and diameter of 13.1’-18.4’ (4-5.6 m). The trunk of the Nepal Cycas has a diameter of 5.9”-23.6” (15-60 cm) with leaf lengths between 59”-95” (150-240 cm).

Pair of dimensioned illustrations of the Nepal Cycas seen from the top and elevation views
The Nepal Cycas (Cycas pectinata) is the most commonly found cycad. It is also the tallest cycad. It is found in various terrains such as open thickets and even sparse monsoon forests. This is in China, India, Vietnam, Nepal, and other countries in Southeast Asia.

Nepal Cycass have an overall height between 6.6’-39.4’ (2-12 m) and diameter of 13.1’-18.4’ (4-5.6 m). The trunk of the Nepal Cycas has a diameter of 5.9”-23.6” (15-60 cm) with leaf lengths between 59”-95” (150-240 cm).

Pair of dimensioned illustrations of the Nepal Cycas seen from the top and elevation views
Nepal Cycas (Cycas pectinata)
Height:
6.6’-39.4’ | 2-12 m
Width:
13.1’-18.4’ | 4-5.6 m (Diameter)
Length:
59”-95” | 150-240 cm (Leaf)
Depth:
5.9”-23.6” | 15-60 cm (Trunk)
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Cycas pectinata

Drawings include:

Nepal Cycas front elevation, plan view

Details & Downloads

Downloads

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