Cycas revoluta

General Description:

Cycas revoluta is cultivated in Indian gardens. The plant attains a height of 3.5mt. it is a slow growing plant, with larger leaves, pinnately compound, 4-5ft. long. The dark green stiff leaflets have a linear shape with a shiny upper surface. The trunk is dark brown, thick and appears shaggy. The male and female reproductive structures are in the centre. The male resembles a large con, which is upto 2feet in length. The female organ resembles a yellow furry globe, and there are many bright orange seeds that are 2 inches in diameter. It is drought resistant. The seeds contain: crude protein, 14; soluble non-nitrogenous substances, 68; and combined formaldehyde, 0.164 - 0.22%.  About 90% of the formaldehyde can be removed by washing the seed flour with water. Washed meal is cooked and eaten. It is used as astringent, cancer, diuretic, expectorant.