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

 

Systematic position

The Cycads make up the group Cycadopsida (former Cycadales), and belong together with the conifers and some other groups to the gymnosperms. The systematic position of the cycads: 

Pinophytina (Gymnosperms) 

  • Cycadopsida (Cycads) - the most primitive group.
  • Ginkgopsida (Ginkgo)
  • T axopsida (Taxus, yews)
  • Pinopsida (Conifers)
  • Gnetopsida (Gnetum, Ephedra, and Welwitschia)
© Botanical Garden, 12. july 2001