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.

* Under Development *

Cycads Guides
Browse through our curated Cycads Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Cycads. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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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
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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Eastern Cape Giant Cycad (Encephalartos altensteinii)
Size comparison drawing of the Eastern Cape Giant Cycad compared to a person and other Cycad species

The Eastern Cape Giant Cycad (Encephalartos altensteinii) is also known as breadtree, broodbroom, or ujobane. It is native to South Africa in various habitats where there is plenty of sunlight or light shade, such as open shrubs, evergreen forests, or steep rocky slopes. This tree is long-lived and easy to grow. Hence, an extremely common ornamental plant. The palm-like plant is tall and can be branched or unbranched while the green leaves are long, straight, or curved backward. The base is large but diminished towards the crown. This tree produces both male and female cones that are greenish yellow.

Eastern Cape Giant Cycads have an overall height between 13.1’-23’ (4-7 m) and diameter of 10.8’-16’ (3.3-4.9 m). The trunk of the Eastern Cape Giant Cycad has a diameter of 13.8”-15.75” (35-40 cm) with leaf lengths between 6’-9’ (183-274 cm).

Set of scaled dimensioned drawings of the Eastern Cape Giant Cycad viewed from the front and top
The Eastern Cape Giant Cycad (Encephalartos altensteinii) is also known as breadtree, broodbroom, or ujobane. It is native to South Africa in various habitats where there is plenty of sunlight or light shade, such as open shrubs, evergreen forests, or steep rocky slopes.

Eastern Cape Giant Cycads have an overall height between 13.1’-23’ (4-7 m) and diameter of 10.8’-16’ (3.3-4.9 m). The trunk of the Eastern Cape Giant Cycad has a diameter of 13.8”-15.75” (35-40 cm) with leaf lengths between 6’-9’ (183-274 cm).

Set of scaled dimensioned drawings of the Eastern Cape Giant Cycad viewed from the front and top
Eastern Cape Giant Cycad (Encephalartos altensteinii)
Height:
13.1’-23’ | 4-7 m
Width:
10.8’-16’ | 3.3-4.9 m (Diameter)
Length:
6’-9’ | 183-274 cm (Leaf)
Depth:
13.8”-15.75” | 35-40 cm (Trunk)
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Encephalartos altensteinii

Drawings include:

Eastern Cape Giant Cycad front elevation, plan view

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Chestnut Dioon (Dioon edule)
Scale illustration of an average Chestnut Dioon compared to other species of Cycads and a human

There are two subspecies of the Chestnut Dioon (Dioon edule) classified by location as one is found in a moister environment than the other. You can find it in oak woodlands or tropical deciduous forests. The last name “Dioon” means “two-egged.” The chestnut dioon is easy to grow and is drought and salt tolerant. This tree has a short, erect, and stocky trunk while the gray-green or blue-green leaves are sharp-tipped, lance-shaped and hairy, forming stiff, obliquely erect crowns. Like other cycads, it is palm-like and slow-growing with male and female trees producing cones. The seed cones resemble pineapple, are decorative, and can hold over 200 seeds.

Chestnut Dioons have an overall height between 5.9’-7.9’ (1.8-2.4 m) and diameter of 4.3’-10.8’ (1.3-3.3 m). The trunk of the Chestnut Dioon has a diameter of 5.9”-11.8” (15-30 cm) with leaf lengths between 27.5”-71” (70-180 cm).

Pair of dimensioned illustrations of the Chestnut Dioon seen from the top and elevation views
There are two subspecies of the Chestnut Dioon (Dioon edule) classified by location as one is found in a moister environment than the other. You can find it in oak woodlands or tropical deciduous forests. The last name “Dioon” means “two-egged.” The chestnut dioon is easy to grow.

Chestnut Dioons have an overall height between 5.9’-7.9’ (1.8-2.4 m) and diameter of 4.3’-10.8’ (1.3-3.3 m). The trunk of the Chestnut Dioon has a diameter of 5.9”-11.8” (15-30 cm) with leaf lengths between 27.5”-71” (70-180 cm).

Pair of dimensioned illustrations of the Chestnut Dioon seen from the top and elevation views
Chestnut Dioon (Dioon edule)
Height:
5.9’-7.9’ | 1.8-2.4 m
Width:
4.3’-10.8’ | 1.3-3.3 m (Diameter)
Length:
27.5”-71” | 70-180 cm (Leaf)
Depth:
5.9”-11.8” | 15-30 cm (Trunk)
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Dioon edule

Drawings include:

Chestnut Dioon front elevation, plan view

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Pineapple Cycad (Lepidozamia peroffskyana)
Scale illustration of an average Pineapple Cycad compared to other species of Cycads and a human

Pineapple Cycads (Lepidozamia peroffskyana) are found in eastern Australia in wet forests, forest margins, and coastal forests. It gets its name from the Russian nobleman and benefactor, Count Peroffsky. This tall, palm-like cycad is a favorite ornamental plant because it is slow-growing, easy to maintain, and long-lived. It has large arching dark green glossy leaves fountaining from the top on maturity and both male and female trees produce cones. Female cones are barrel-shaped and gray-green, while male cones are cylindrical and curved. These produce large and numerous seeds that are toxic. It can grow in places with lots of sunlight or some shade.

Pineapple Cycads have an overall height between 13.1’-23’ (4-7 m) and diameter of 9.8’-19’ (3-5.8 m). The trunk of the Pineapple Cycad has a diameter of 24”-36” (61-91 cm) with leaf lengths between 4.9’-9.8’ (150-300 cm).

Pair of dimensioned illustrations of the Pineapple Cycad seen from the top and elevation views
Pineapple Cycad (Lepidozamia peroffskyana) is found in eastern Australia in wet forests, forest margins, and coastal forests. It gets its name from the Russian nobleman and benefactor, Count Peroffsky. This tall, palm-like cycad is a favorite ornamental plant because it is slow-growing and easy.

Pineapple Cycads have an overall height between 13.1’-23’ (4-7 m) and diameter of 9.8’-19’ (3-5.8 m). The trunk of the Pineapple Cycad has a diameter of 24”-36” (61-91 cm) with leaf lengths between 4.9’-9.8’ (150-300 cm).

Pair of dimensioned illustrations of the Pineapple Cycad seen from the top and elevation views
Pineapple Cycad (Lepidozamia peroffskyana)
Height:
13.1’-23’ | 4-7 m
Width:
9.8’-19’ | 3-5.8 m (Diameter)
Length:
4.9’-9.8’ | 150-300 cm (Leaf)
Depth:
24”-36” | 61-91 cm (Trunk)
Weight:
Area:
Scientific Name
Lepidozamia peroffskyana

Drawings include:

Pineapple Cycad front elevation, plan view

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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

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