Botanical Name : Cycas media
Family: Cycadaceae
Genus: Cycas
Species: C. media
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Cycadophyta
Class: Cycadopsida
Order: Cycadales
Common Names:Cycas or Cycads
In many areas cycads are also referred to as palms or ferns, particularly in local vernacular languages, and in Mexico they are also referred to as a type of corn, probably in reference to the female cones in Zamiaceae. A thorough compilation of local and vernacular names for cycads around the world has been prepared by Bonta and Osborne (2003).
Habitat : Cycas media is native to woodlands of Queensland, Australia.Widely distributed in Australia, from the top of Cape York down to Rockhampton, as well as on some offshore islands, and New Guinea.Typically found near the coast on scrubby hillsides and gullies up onto the ridges. Most areas show signs of burning off.
Description:
Cycas media is a palm-like tall shrub. The leathery, thick leaves are divided and grow from the center in a palm-like arrangement.Height of caudex 2.7m, diameter 64.0cm and unbranched. Number of seed sporophylls from crown about 40. Number of ovules about 200 which average 4 to 6 per sporophyll. Length of sporophyll 37.5cm, original colour of seed green but yellow when ripe. Length of seed 40.0mm and breadth 30.0mm.
Frond leaves 42 to 45, length of leaf 1.2m, length of rachis 1.5m. short spines on rachis below leaves 5 to 7 each side, approximately 2.5-3.0cm, pairs of leaflets 45 to 50 pairs.
Length at top of frond 25cm across pair, middle measurement 77cm across pair. Lower measurement 39cm across pair, with a prominent midrib nerve. The fronds are glossy green below and yellow green beneath. Some leaf rachis are squarish and others round when viewed at cut end. Average height of tallest specimens about 3.0-3.5m.
Medicinal Uses:
Seeds used in folk medicine. They have been used mainly topically to treat sores and skin diseases. In India the seeds are used as a remedy for insomnia.
Other Uses:
All plant parts are considered highly toxic. However, the seeds are eaten by Aborigines after careful and extensive preparation to remove the toxins
Disclaimer:
The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplements, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
http://www.conifers.org/zz/Cycadales.php
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycas_media
http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/PlantNet/cycad/images/Cycas_media_1.jpg
http://www.pacsoa.org.au/cycads/Cycas/media.html
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