Cycas

Common Name: Cycas
Scientific Name: exact species unknown
Family: Cycadaceae

General Facts:

• Can be traced back to prehistoric times
• Considered a living fossil

Food/Medical Facts:

• Source of food and medicine for some
• However, these plants are highly poisonous and need to be carefully processed to remove toxins before they can be consumed
• Otherwise, eating them can cause vomiting, liver damage and even death
• Not grown commercially as food due to:
  
1. slow growth rates
2. need for careful processing

Other uses:

• Ornamental purposes