Common Name:

General Information

Cycas pectinata is a slow-growing, evergreen palm-like plant with an erect, occasionally branched main stem that can eventually be around 2 - 12 metres tall and 14 - 20cm in diameter (exceptionally to 100cm); each stem is topped by a crown of 30 - 40 large leaves that can each be around 150 - 240cm long[]. The plant can lose its leaves in cool or dry conditions.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food and medicine. It is sometimes grown as an ornamental.
Although at present the plant is common and widespread, there has been an estimated decline in habitat of more than 30% over the past 90 years. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2010)[].

Known Hazards

We have no specific information for this species, but most if not all members of this genus are believed to contain toxins. The two main toxic compounds that have been identified are cycasin and macrozamin. When ingested in sufficient quantities, these compounds are extremely poisonous to humans and many other animals, and have been shown to cause liver damage and cancer. Cycasin and macrozamin have a cumulative effect upon the body and are suspected of causing neurological disorders when ingested in small amounts over long periods of time.
There is a long history of human use of this genus as a starch-rich food, but it should be noted that the plants needed to be treated in various ways in order to remove any toxic principles. Caution should be exercised even with properly prepared foods, since even then regular consumption may lead to severe health problems and death. Since many of these species are becoming increasingly rare in the wild, this is probably a food best left to times of food shortage when other, better foods, are not available[, ].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

E. Asia - China, northeast India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam.

Habitat

Open plains and foothills, sometimes in medium to tall closed forest on deep, often clay-rich and more fertile soils, usually as part of the general shrub understorey in moderate to deep shade at medium to higher elevations[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	5.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of tropical climates in areas with wet, humid summers and milder, drier winters[].
Succeeding on a variety of substrates, the plant prefers moist conditions and clay soils over limestone[]. An almost universal requirement for cycads is a well-drained but moisture-retentive soil, and by far the best soils are sandy gravels and light loams which provide the required drainage and aeration necessary for good growth. Cycads will generally not grow well in clay soils unless those soils are heavily amended with sand and organic matter[]. A neutral soil (pH 7), is generally best for most species of cycads and allows the proper absorption of nutrients. A slightly acid soil is better for most cycads than a basic one[].
Species in this genus can usually be transplanted easily even when quite large. The best time for moving them is just before the beginning of a new growing season, the roots being trimmed if they are damaged and perhaps some leaves being removed. New roots should develop quickly as the season progresses[].
Species in this genus form structures known as coralloid roots. These roots branch off from the taproot or secondary roots and are distinctive in that they grow laterally or upward, forming a nodular mass at the apex. These coralloid roots occur slightly below or slightly above the soil surface and generally contain cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. These are able to fix atmospheric nitrogen and make it available as a nutrient to the plant. The ability to extract this important nutrient from the air explains how many cycad species are able to survive on almost sterile soils[].
A dioecious species, with individual plants producing either all male or all female cones. Therefore both male and female forms of the plant need to be grown if seed is required[]. On very rare occasions, usually when a plant has been under severe stress, it can change sex and produce either all female or all male cones[].

Edible Uses

Species in this genus are generally toxic unless the food is prepared correctly. See notes above on toxicity.

Seed cooked[]. The raw seed is poisonous, but after being cut into thin slices, dried, then steeped in water for a few minutes and dried again, it becomes edible[, , , , ]. The seed is very irregularly ovoid with several flat sides from compression, it is around 34 - 42mm long and 23 - 33mm in diameter[],

The very young leaves are edible[]. Harvested when around 30 - 40cm long, the young, not yet quite unfolded, succulent leaves are cooked and eaten as a vegetable[, ].


This species is said to have the same uses as Cycas rumphii. In addition to those already mentioned, hese uses are as follows:-

The pith is rich in carbohydrate and a sago can be made from it[, , , ]. This use will kill the plant[].

The plant yields a gum[, , ]. No further details are given.

Medicinal

The pounded stem is used as a hair-wash for treating diseased hair roots[].

This species is said to have the same uses as Cycas rumphii. These uses are as follows:-
The pollen is narcotic[].

The bark and the seeds are ground to a paste with oil and used as a poultice on sores and swellings[].

The juice of tender leaves is useful in the treatment of flatulence and vomiting[].

Other Uses

The fleshy stem is pounded and used as a hair wash[].

This species is said to have the same uses as Cycas rumphii. These uses are as follows:-
The bark sap is used as a glue[].

The fruits are strung together to make children's toys or rattles[].

Propagation

Seeds - best sown as soon as they are ripe, though the seeds of many species will take a few months to finish maturing the embryo before they are ready to germinate. Sow the seeds in a tray in a freely-draining medium and place in moderate shade. Bottom heat at about 27°c will hasten seed germination dramatically. Young roots are quite brittle and once germination takes place, the root grows rapidly. It is important to pot up the seedlings at this time in order to give them enough root-space. Grow on the plants in pots until large enough to plant out[].
Division of off-sets or suckers is best carried out just before the plant comes in to new growth at the start of the growing season[].

Add a Comment:

If you have any useful information about this plant, please leave a comment. Comments have to be approved before they are shown here.

Name:

Email(Private):

Message:

Captcha: How many fingers does the typical human have?