Cycads
Because of its likeness to tree ferns or (paku), and because it grows by the sea or laut, Cycas rumphii is called paku laut.
Millions of years ago, cycads ruled the plant kingdom. They are less prominent today, although they are distributed around the world. Together with conifers and maidenhair trees, cycads are classed as gymnosperms. Reminiscent of palms in their growth habit, Malaysian cycads, or paku gajah or paku laut, are small to medium-sized trees. Only three native and one introduced species are found in Malaysia, all belonging to the genus Cycas.
- Information in the full article includes
- Geological history and distribution
- Characteristic features
- Life cycle
- Food and medicine