Cycas circinalis L.

A palm like plant. The trunk is covered with the bases of the old leaves. The leaves have leathery leaflets with a distinct midrib. The leaves are something like feathers with a series of leaflets on each side of the leaf stalk. The leaves are in a cluster at the top of the trunk. A cone of thick leaves with large seeds is produced at the top. There are separate male and female plants. The seeds are 3-4 cm across with a thin fleshy covering and a starchy centre.

A tropical plant. It occurs locally and near the sea. It is widely distributed in the Philippines. They occur in lowland areas in grassland and forest. They grow from sea level to 700 m altitude. They are more common in places with a dry seasonal climate. In India they grow up to 1000 m altitude. It suits hardiness zones 10-12.

The pith is processed to extract the starch during times of food shortage. The seeds are sometimes eaten after treatment by slicing, fermenting for 2 weeks and then cooking. The very young leaves are cooked and eaten in Malaysia. CAUTION The young leaves are poisonous to cattle. The seeds are poisonous unless treated. They contain a toxic glucoside. It can cause brain damage and cancer.

They can be grown from seeds. Plants, especially damaged ones, produce suckers.