Cycas spp.
Various
Cycas, Sago Palm
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FIRE FLY
gbif· cc-by-nc
FIRE FLY
gbif· cc-by-nc
FIRE FLY
Description
Cycas spp. is an evergreen Perennial growing to 4 m (13ft) by 4 m (13ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. It can fix Nitrogen. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in full shade (deep woodland) semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil.
Edible Uses
Cycad nuts are edible in some species and used as a famine food once processed. (see individual plants) but many are toxic. They are high in starch.
Medicinal Uses
See individual species.
Known Hazards
The plants contain alkaloids of carcinogens and also an amino-acid that causes chronic nervous disorders. Regular consumption of the plant leads to severe health problems and death. This toxic principle can be removed if the food is properly prepared but consumption of the plant still cannot be recommended because its use often means the death of the plant and it is becoming rare in the wild.
Distribution
Adapted throughout the tropics and subtropics.
Where It Grows
Coming Soon
Cultivation
Hypothetical Crop Industrial Crop: Starch Management: Standard. Cycads (Division Cycadophyta) have adapted throughout the tropics and subtropics. Species for sun and shade, desert, swamp, and rain forest. Climate: warm temperate to tropical. Humidity: arid to humid. Long lived but slow growing. Carbon Farming Solutions - Cultivation: hypothetical. Management: standard (Describes the non-destructive management systems that are used in cultivation).
Propagation
Seed - best sown as soon as it is ripe, 2cm deep in individual pots which are then sealed in plastic bags to keep them moist until germination takes place. Germinates in 1 - 3 months at 25°c. Pre-soak stored seed for 24 hours in warm water then treat as above. Division of suckers in the spring.
Other Uses
Carbon Farming Solutions - Industrial Crop: starch (Crops grown for non-food uses. Industrial crops provide resources in three main categories: materials, chemicals, and energy. Traditional materials include lumber and thatch, paper and cardboard, and textiles). Genera to investigate include: Cycas, Dioon, Encephalartos, Macrozamia, Microcycas, and Zamia. Nearly all cycads fix low amounts of nitrogen. Ornamental -
Synonyms
Also Known As
Cycas species. Sago palm, Fern Palm, Cycas, Cycads
