  "Early development of female sporophylls and ovules of Cycas circinalis" (1). | Cycas circinalis LinnaeusCommon NamesTaxonomic notesDescribed 1658 from the Malabar Coast in southwest India and is the type species of Cycas. Due to its wide range and sporadic dispersal, many races exist and the species is highly variable. Its closest congener, C. rumphii, is chiefly distinguished by much larger seeds (1).DescriptionRangeTropical areas including Sri Lanka, India, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, and various other islands of Oceania. It commonly forms dense stands in coastal districts, but also occurs inland and in India in mountainous regions at elevations to 1000 m. Situations range from full sun to moderate shade. Climates are summer-wet (1).Big TreeTrunk to 5 m tall and 45 cm diameter (1).OldestOldest: No data in (1).EthnobotanySago and seeds of this widespread species have traditionally been used by native peoples throughout its range. It is a popular ornamental for outdoors planting in the tropics (1).ObservationsAt Seattle's Volunteer Park Conservatory.RemarksSeeds float and remain viable for long periods, accounting for its widespread and predominantly coastal distribution (1).Citations(1) Jones 1993. |
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