CHAPTER XXV 



SEED -BEARING PLANTS 



THE CYCADS 



351. Description. — The cycads, while native only in 

 the tropics, are familiar to all persons who have visited 

 conservatories. One of the commoner species in cultiva- 

 tion (Cycas revoluta) is often labelled, "Sago palm." In 



Fig. 285. — Cycas revoluta, showing terminal bud of foliage-leaves just 

 opening. (Compare Fig. 286.) 



fact, in some respects it bears a superficial resemblance to 

 a palm, while in other characters it suggests the ferns. 

 There is a short, thick, cylindrical, unbranched stem or 

 trunk, bearing a crown of beautiful, leathery, green leaves, 



390 



