The Cycads
A relict plant group of the past
Ethnobotany
Ethnobotany
The cycads are rich in starch, especially in the stems pith and the seeds. This natural resource are being exploiting in several ways. The cycads are also popular ornamentals.Bowenia:
Source of food for aborigines
Cycas:
C. circinalis (Sago Palm, not to confuse with the true Sago Palm -
Metroxylon sagu, true palm): Sago from the pith. Seeds are poisonous until
soaked and washed several times in water to remove the toxin, and in some
regions are ground in times of Famine into meal for food.
C. beddomei: Sago from the pith. For flour and bread in India.
C. revoluta: sago from the pith, also called Sago Palm.. The leaves
used as fresh and dried ornamentals, especially in religious ceremonies and in
funeral wreaths.
C. media: Seeds edible boiled, an aboriginal staple in Arnhemland (Australia).
C. papuana: Sago from the pith.
Dioon:
Seeds are poisonous as raw, but those of some kinds are ground into
meal that is cooked and used locally as food.
Encephalartos:
Stems a source of sago. Starchy seeds ground into meal by aborigines.
Macrozamia:
Seeds edible locally if soaked and pounded or baked.
M. spiralis: source of good quality arrowroot and edible seeds.
Zamia:
The stems a source of sago starch used after washing, to remove
a poison by the Seminole Indians as food. Seeds also toxic, but edible
when boiled.
