The Cycads

A relict plant group of the past

presented by the Botanical Garden, Oslo

CONTENTS

Introduction

Systematic position

Description

Distribution

Ethnobotany

Conservation of the Cycads

Acknowledgements

Distribution

The Cycads are native to all continents, except for Europe, and are restricted to tropical and subtropical areas.

Bowenia - Queensland (Australia)
Ceratozamia - Mexico and Belize
Cycas - Eastern Africa to Japan and Australia
Dioon - Mexico and Central America
Encephalartos - Tropical and Southern Africa
Lepidozamia - Eastern Australia
Macrozamia - Australia
Microcycas - Cuba
Stangeria - South Africa
Zamia - Southeastern US, Central America, West Indies, tropical and subtropical South America

They grow in different habitats: rainforests, in half shady situations to open, rocky, and dry areas, even in deserts.