Cycads

Cycads are large plants that are similar to palms in appearance. Their leaves are often stiff with sharp spines, which may discourage consumption by animals. Many are poisonous and contain highly toxic chemicals such as nerve toxins. These slow growing plants produce only one crown of leaves per year. Cycads favor the semi-arid tropics and the subtropics, with the most diversity found in Mexico. Only one species of Zamia is native to the United States; and is only found in Florida.

Comprising 140 species, cycads are the oldest gymnosperms, first appearing 300 million years ago. The Jurassic period (208 to 146 million years ago) was known as the "Age of Cycads" because these plants made up 20% of the world flora.

Cycads rely on animals for pollination. They often have big yellow, purple or red cones to attract pollinators such as the weevil beetle and certain species of bees. Ruthless collectors, wishing to own these tropical plants, as well as human activities in the tropical rainforest are threatening the survival of some cycad species.