Cycads Ever wandered through a forest of Cycads? It always gives me the feeling that I've stepped into a lost world, it almost seems possible that at any moment a Tyrannosaurus Rex could come crashing through the trees. These relics of the Jurassic period consist of over 280 species worldwide and are native to the Americas, Africa, South east Asia and of Course Australia. This summer we have had numerous members and listeners call up to inform us that their Cycads are producing cones! It seems that this is the trend in the wild also, whole forests of Cycads can be seen bearing cones in various places including Bouddi National park on the Central Coast.
Description Cycads are often mistaken for palms or ferns, they are neither but are coincidentally distant relatives. The most common Cycads grown in Australia come from either the Cycas or Macrozamia Genus. Cycads have leaves which resemble those of a palm or fern, but on closer inspection one will find the leaves are very hard and quite different. Cycads produce a cone as opposed to flowers or spores, which makes them even more peculiar. Older specimens may develop a trunk not unlike a grass tree.
Care Cycads will grow quite happily in the ground or a container. Good drainage is very important, Cycads will grow well in most soils providing they are well drained. They are surprisingly heavy feeders and will benefit from a slow release fertiliser being applied every few months. Watering is also very important, in cooler months Cycads may suffer from being to damp, but while growing in warmer months Cycads need plenty of water to achieve optimum growth. Light requirements depend from species to species, however most prefer part shade but will tolerate full sun.
Propagation Cycads can be propagated by seed, but they need to be germinated while fresh. If the seed dries out it is very unlikely to germinate. Cycad seeds can be planted into a seed raising mix and kept warm and moist, this is usually enough to start germination. Alternatively seeds can be pre-germinated by placing them in a plastic container filled with perlite and water, this needs to be kept warm. Once seeds germinate they can be planted out.
*Warning Seeds can produce a Neurotoxin when germinating. Care should always be taken when handling seeds.
*Pictured*: Macrozamia Cycads in Bundawang Mountains, west of Batemans Bay, NSW
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